Millions of Britons are missing out on £24 billion: how to check your benefits.

According to The Sun: A new study has shown that millions of households in the UK are losing out on a massive £24 billion in unclaimed benefits.

According to Policy in Practice, over seven million families, including pensioners and working households, are unable to access vital funds they are entitled to.

Recent data indicates that the amount of unpaid benefits has reached a record high, rising from £19 billion in 2023 to £23 billion in 2024.

The average household could receive £3,203 more a year if they accessed all available benefits, with some families potentially receiving thousands of pounds extra.

Key unclaimed benefits

The largest losses are associated with Universal Credit, with over £11 billion unpaid, leaving 1.67 million households without an average income of £6,669 a year.

Despite efforts to improve access, Pension Credit remains at £1.6 billion unpaid, affecting 761,000 pensioners who could receive £2,121 a year.

Care support is another significant gap, with 553,000 households missing out on £4,252 a year, totaling £2.3 billion.

Families are also losing £1.4 billion on child benefits, with 742,000 eligible households potentially receiving an average of £1,998 a year.

Council tax support, which could ease the financial burden for 2.57 million households, shows an average unclaimed amount of £1,286, totalling £3.3 billion.

Housing benefit for pensioners is missing out on £1 billion, meaning 226,000 pensioners are forgoing £4,788 a year.

Even smaller payments like free school meals (£69 million unpaid), healthy start vouchers (£55 million), and water bill discounts (£722 million) can significantly support low-income families.

Utility-related payments, such as water supplies and broadband tariffs, also have large gaps, as millions of people are not using available social tariffs.

Additionally, 298,000 households missed out on free TV licenses for older people, worth £52 million.

Deven Ghelani, Director and Founder of Policy in Practice, stated: “The scale of unclaimed funding in the UK remains astonishing. But it’s not the fault of the people. It’s a failure of the social system which remains too complex, fragmented and situational.”

“The good news is we now have the tools to rectify this. Last year, our work with local authorities, housing providers and utility companies helped bring millions of pounds into people's pockets. Every £1 claimed is a step towards better health, improved education, strengthened families and reduced pressure on public services.”

How to check if you’ve missed out on benefits?

If you have a low income, live with a disability, care for someone, or are retired, there is always a chance to get support.

Help is available if you don’t know where to start – the most effective way is a benefits calculator.

These free online tools will help determine which benefits are available to you and how much, depending on your income, savings and personal circumstances.

The three most trusted calculators are the Policy in Practice Better Off Calculator, entitledto, and Turn2us.

Benefits calculators can assist in figuring out which benefits you are eligible for, how much you can receive, and how payments might change if you start working or increase your working hours.

They will also show how changes in circumstances will affect benefits – for example, if you have a child or move in with a partner.

Before using the calculator, make sure you have information about your savings, income, existing benefits or pensions, monthly expenditures (rent or mortgage), and tax bills.

Contact local independent advice services, such as Citizens Advice or Age UK, for free help and answers to your questions.

You can find the nearest center by entering your postcode on the website.

How to get free debt help

There are several groups that can help you with debt problems for free.

• Citizens Advice – 0800 144 8848 (England) / 0800 702 2020 (Wales)
• StepChange – 0800138 1111
• National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
• Debt Advice Foundation – 0800 043 4050

You can also find information about Debt Management Plans (DMP) and Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) on the MoneyHelper.org.uk or Gov.UK websites.

Speak to one of these organizations — do not be tempted to use claims management companies.

They promise to write off part of your debts for a hefty upfront payment. But there are other options that do not require payment.

This situation highlights how crucial it is for the population facing financial difficulties to be aware of their rights to social benefits. The more people know about their options, the more can be done to improve their well-being. As experts noted, simple steps can significantly change the financial situation of many families.

The issue of social support remains relevant, and organizations working in this field strive to simplify the process of obtaining assistance. Research and awareness campaigns help influence this process, which in turn raises people's living standards.