Are you missing out? £19billion of support is going unclaimed

Recent research has suggested that as much as £19billion of income-related benefits are going unclaimed in the UK each year.

Social policy software and analytics company Policy in Practice, which works with councils, government, housing providers and community organisations, has estimated the total amount of unclaimed income-related benefits and social tariffs is now £18.7 billion a year.

The group says benefits can be underclaimed due to administrative complexity, a lack of awareness, stigma, and the increasingly fragmented nature of support.

It says: “Accurately understanding the level of unclaimed benefits and who is missing out is vital for designing policy and proactive interventions that can support struggling households.”

Rochdale MP Sir Tony Lloyd says he has been contacted by many people in Rochdale who have been missing out on eligible benefits.

He said: “I have been contacted by many households in Rochdale who are under the cosh and missing out on eligible benefits which could go some way to keep things afloat. 

"It is shocking that £19billion of support and benefits is unclaimed in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.  

"I have put together a full list of help that households can claim which I hope goes some way to help." 

The list of unclaimed benefits and support available: 

• Universal Credit — £7.57billion unclaimed 

You may be able to get Universal Credit if you're on a low income or need help with your living costs. You could either be out of work or working (including self-employed or part time), or unable to work because of a health condition. Click here to find out more. 

• Council Tax Support — £2.87billion unclaimed, and Housing Benefit — £929million unclaimed 

Rochdale Council's website has a handy tool to help calculate and claim Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support or Second Adult Rebate. Click here to find out more. 

• Carer's Allowance — £2billion unclaimed 

If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits, you could receive £76.75 a week. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for. The full list of eligibility criteria, and how to make a claim, can be found here. 

• Pension Credit — £1.75billion unclaimed 

Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. It gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you're over State Pension age and on a low income. There are over a million pensioners who are not receiving Pension Credit who should be receiving it. Make sure you're not missing out by clicking here. 

• Child Benefit — £1.35billion unclaimed 

You can receive Child Benefit if you are responsible for bringing up a child who is under the age of 16, or under the age of 20 if they stay in approved education or training. There’s no limit to how many children you can claim for (the two-child limit applies to the child element of Universal Credit and Child Tax Credits and applies to children born after 6 April 2017). Find out more here. 

• Water Social Tariff — £900million unclaimed 

All water companies offer a social tariff for eligible customers to help reduce water bills. Customers in receipt of Pension Credit are eligible for the tariff with United Utilities, but they also offer different flexible ways to pay as well as financial support with your bills. Find out more here. 

• Broadband Social Tariff — £768million unclaimed 

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. The person receiving the benefit needs to be the main person on the contract. You will need to contact your current provider to find out if they offer a social tariff but Ofcom has a handy list of broadband and phone social tariffs here.