Hard up households could boost their income by thousands of pounds each year through debt help scheme.

According to The Sun: An innovative program providing debt and social payment advice in schools has already helped low-income families secure over £500,000.

Each year, about £23 billion payments go unclaimed due to lack of information and the complexity of the application process.

The program targets individuals who may qualify for Universal Credit but have not applied, as well as those who do not understand how to claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or support for childcare costs and council tax.

Money Matters Project

In 2022, a pilot Money Matters program launched in seven schools in Greater Manchester located in deprived areas. It provided access to a financial advisor who helps families receive the benefits they are entitled to.

To date, over 300 families have secured a total of £500,000 – averaging £1,634 per family per year. One family even managed to increase their income by an impressive £24,121 a year.

A representative from Kellogg's, which founded Money Matters in partnership with the nonprofit organization Resolve Poverty, stated: “Through our network of breakfast clubs, we saw an opportunity to help parents struggling with low incomes, who do not know they could receive much more support. We provide this assistance in schools where families feel more comfortable.”

Feedback from Program Participants

Graham Whitham, CEO of Resolve Poverty, emphasized: “Our consistent presence at school events, including parent evenings and coffee mornings, is crucial for helping families in the North West access the benefits they are entitled to.”

Chris Chapman, 58, one of the program participants, became unemployed in January 2025 and faced financial difficulties. He is raising a 16-year-old son who plans to attend college.

After becoming unemployed, when the family already had debts, Chris found it hard to manage finances. However, thanks to the Money Matters program, he has already secured over £12,000 and is applying for additional payments, including PIP, which could further increase this amount.

Chris stated: “I became unemployed after working my whole life in business development. By March 2025, we began to struggle financially and had to cut back on spending for clothes, food, and other essentials. Without Money Matters, I wouldn’t have been able to find support for myself and my son.”

Program Expansion

The program was initially tested in seven schools and is now supporting families in 45 schools. Discussions are ongoing for further expansion. Among the schools where it has already been implemented is Barton Clough Primary School in Manchester.

Assistant Headteacher Jackie Crouch said: “Money Matters has added a new opportunity for our students. It often turns out that families are not receiving what they are entitled to.”

The Money Matters initiative demonstrates how simple measures can significantly impact the financial well-being of families in challenging life circumstances. The project not only raises awareness about social payments but also provides practical assistance where it is most needed. This is an important step in the fight against poverty and in supporting those who find themselves in a difficult situation and require additional support.