Martin Lewis is urging seven million people across the UK to make sure they are getting all the support they are entitled to claim from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by doing a quick online check-up.
The surging cost of living is pushing more and more households towards breaking point as rapidly rising food and fuel prices sent inflation to another 30-year high of 7% for March.
Amid warnings that the situation does not yet take account of the average 54% hike in energy bills that was applied to around 22 million households at the start of April, the situation is predicted to get worse over the coming months.
Worryingly, other costs are expected to increase this year and most households will have already stripped their budgets back as far as they can go.
However, Martin Lewis may once again have provided many people with a way to tap into extra support.
The consumer champion has been at the forefront of sharing money-saving tips and the latest information on the current economic situation, especially around the energy crisis, providing regular updates through social media and his regular TV and radio appearances.
On Wednesday, he shared a post on Twitter with his 1.4 million followers urging those with a family household income of less than £30,000 to do a 10 minute online check-up to make sure they are not missing out on support.
Although he did warn that not everyone will be eligible, but, it’s still worth checking.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com wrote: “Are you one of 7m not getting all the benefits help you're entitled to?
“With cost of living crisis biting, if you've family income under £30,000 it is worth a 10 minute check-up; https://moneysavingexpert.com/family/benefits-check/ (I'm not saying you will get, just its worth a check)”
You can use the 10-minute tool on MoneySavingExpert.com here, or try one fo the free, independent and impartial online benefits calculators listed below - they all offer the same information and require the same details.
What is an online benefits calculator?
Online benefit calculators quickly work out if you are missing out on any benefits and best of all, they are completely free, independent and confidential to use - so there’s nothing to lose.
In just a few minutes you could find out how much you may be able to claim in extra support, just by entering details about yourself, your residential status, your working status and any savings you have.
You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out:
- What benefits you could get
- How to claim
- How your benefits will be affected if you start work
Where to find help
Advice Direct Scotland
This online tool is the first to fully integrate devolved benefits, including the Scottish Child Payment.
It provides a free and impartial assessment of entitlement to a range of benefits such as Universal Credit, crisis grants and support payments.
Turn2us
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.
Policy in Practice
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, how these are calculated and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.
entitledto
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work.
What you will need
You will need accurate information about your:
Savings
Income, including your partner’s
Existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
Outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
Latest Council Tax bill
To keep up to date with the cost of living crisis, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group here, follow Record Money on Twitter here, or subscribe to our twice weekly newsletter here.
