Millions of people are not claiming the benefits they are entitled to, including Child Benefit and help with Council Tax bills.
Analysis from online benefits calculator Entitledto estimated that a massive £15bn is going unclaimed by seven million families, who are missing out on cash that could boost their income during the cost of living crisis.
The biggest benefit going unclaimed is Council Tax Support, with nearly three million missing out on £2.7billion between them. Council Tax Support comes from local councils and can mean your bill being reduced to nothing at all, depending on your circumstances.
Read more: Universal Credit changes: What you need to know and will you be better or worse off?
It's thought that around half a million families are missing out on just under £1billion in Child Benefit - though some eligible choose not to claim because of complications if your are a higher earner. And more than half a million pensioners are forgoing top ups to their state pension if they are on a low income as Pension Credit worth £1.47billion goes unclaimed.
The Government has not produced data on unclaimed Universal Credit and other working-age benefits this year but its own estimates conclude around one million people are missing out on more than £7billion. Many benefits and discounts aren't granted automatically. Depending on what you're entitled to, you'll need to apply to your local council or HMRC.
Here's our guide to the benefits you might be entitled to and how you can claim them:
Council Tax Reduction
How many miss out: 2.8m
Amount unclaimed: £2.7bn
You could be eligible to claim Council Tax Reduction (sometimes called Council Tax Support). if you’re on a low income or claim benefits and your bill could be reduced by up to 100%. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working, and what you get depends on several factors, including where you live, as each council runs its own scheme. To find out more, see here.
You will also be able to clain 25% Council Tax discount if you live alone, but you'll need to apply as councils don't give this discount automatically. Those who don't live alone could also be missing out on this discount, as certain groups of people are disregarded for Council Tax purposes - so if you live with one or more 'disregarded' people, you'll still be treated as if you're living alone. Disregarded people include 18 or 19-year-olds in full-time education, student nurses, people who are severely mentally impaired and apprentices studying for a recognised qualification.
Child benefit
How many miss out: 575k
Amount unclaimed: £944m
If you (or your partner) earn £50,000 a year or under, you can claim the full entitlement of child benefit if the child you're applying for lives with you. Parents have to repay some or all of the child benefit they get when they earn over £50,000. To find out more, see here
Housing benefit
How many miss out: 220k
Amount unclaimed: £880m
Housing Benefit has been replaced by Universal Credit for most new claimants, but you can still start a new application if you have reached State Pension age or you live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing. Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. Find out more here.
Pension Credit
How many miss out:770k
Amount unclaimed: £1.47bn
Pension Credit is separate from your state pension and gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. Find out more here.
Universal Credit
How many miss out:1.3m
Amount unclaimed: £7.46bn
If you have a low household income, you may be able to claim Universal Credit, even if you're working. This is replacing legacy benefits such as tax credits, housing benefit, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, and income support - however, these legacy benefits are still available in some instances. Find out more here.
How to check what benefits you could get
Entitledto's free calculator works out whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credits and Universal Credit. You will also find benefit calculators from Turn2Us and Policy in Practice. Any calculator you use will give you an idea of what you could get, but you'll then have to make a claim yourself.
Can I get benefits backdated?
It is possible to get some benefits backdated if you found out you’ve missed out on claiming for them, but it depends on which benefit you’re making a claim for, as different benefits have different rules for back payment. But in most cases, you’ll have to provide evidence to show a good reason why you were not able to make a claim earlier. New claims for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit can go back only one month, but you can get Child Benefit and Pension Credit backdated for up to three months.
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