Martin Lewis has issued a plea to households bringing in less than £40,000 a year - check your eligibility for Universal Credit. The Money Saving Expert believes millions of people could be missing out on the benefit and says use of a simple benefit calculator could easily indicate whether someone is entitled to benefits or not.
While delivering evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport sub-committee on Online Harms and Disinformation, Martin highlighted that not everyone earning less than £40k will get Universal Credit, but there is still no harm in checking, Liverpool Echo reports.
He said: "My rule of thumb is if you have family income of under £40,000 then you should absolutely check on a benefits calculator whether you are entitled to Universal Credit. The financial guru also previously told the audience: "There are up to seven million of you who are eligible and who are missing out." He added: "I am not, repeat, saying you will get it.
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"I am saying it's definitely worth ten minutes of your time to go onto an online benefits calculator - there are a good few of them out there - and it should take about ten minutes to put all of your details in to see if you are due. Remember, benefits aren't just for those out of work - 40 percent of those on Universal Credit are in work."
Anyone wanting government advice about calculating benefits can click here. Citizens advice suggest people can use this benefits calculator.
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit intended to help recipients with living costs. It is paid either monthly or twice a month (for some people in Scotland). According to the Government, you may be considered eligible if you are either out of work, working, or unable to work (such as if you have a health condition).
Universal Credit claimants as well as those on other benefits could receive a welcome cash boost to help with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis this Christmas. As energy bills soar, those eligible will receive a cash boost of £10. Although it is a relatively a small amount, will not need to be repaid and will not affect any other benefits you may receive, reports The Sun.
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