Every year, billions of pounds in government support sit untouched—simply because people don’t realise they’re entitled to it. If you’ve never checked what help you might qualify for, now’s the time. With over £9.6 billion in unclaimed Universal Credit alone, you could be missing out on up to £7,537 a year. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
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Awareness
Let’s be honest: the UK benefits system can feel like a maze. Between confusing forms and outdated assumptions, many people believe they aren’t eligible—especially if they’re working or not on certain benefits already. But that’s where most go wrong.
You don’t have to be unemployed to claim help. Universal Credit supports low-income workers, parents, carers, and people with disabilities or health conditions. And the numbers don’t lie—data from Turn2us shows that 60% of users who tried their Benefits Calculator found out they were missing money they were entitled to.
Support
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s being left on the table right now:
| Unclaimed Benefit | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | £9.6 billion |
| Carer’s Allowance | £588 million |
| New-Style Jobseeker’s Allowance | £636 million |
That’s nearly £11 billion going unused while millions of families struggle to keep up with living costs. Even with rising household bills and back-to-school expenses creeping in, many still haven’t checked if they qualify.
Example
Take Universal Credit. If you’re in a couple and both over 25, the standard monthly allowance is £628.10. Over the course of a year, that adds up to £7,537.20. That’s a life-changing amount for many households. Sure, if you’re working or have other income, it may be a bit less. But it could also be more if you have kids or a health condition.
It’s a flexible benefit that adjusts based on your circumstances—meaning it’s not all or nothing. So even if you think you’re borderline, it’s worth checking.
Simplicity
The good news? You don’t need to jump through hoops to see if you qualify. Turn2us has a simple, free, and anonymous Benefits Calculator. All you do is input details like your job, household, savings, and current benefits. In minutes, it tells you what support you might be eligible for.
And if the result says you’re entitled to more? You can either apply yourself or get free help through Turn2us. There’s nothing to lose, and potentially thousands to gain.
Timing
This reminder is even more timely because of the August bank holiday. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) just confirmed that many people will get early payments this weekend, including Universal Credit, Child Benefit, State Pension, and others. If your regular date is Monday, August 25, expect your payment on Friday, August 22 instead.
That’s helpful, but it also means you’ll need to make your money stretch a little further until the next cycle. So checking for extra support now could soften that gap.
Misconceptions
Many assume benefits are just for people out of work. That’s not true. If you care for a relative, have a long-term illness, or simply earn below a certain threshold, there could be help waiting for you. Here are some examples of benefits you might qualify for, depending on your situation:
| Situation | Possible Benefit(s) |
|---|---|
| Low income worker | Universal Credit |
| Caring for someone | Carer’s Allowance |
| Health condition or disability | Personal Independence Payment (PIP) |
| Recently unemployed | New-Style Jobseeker’s Allowance |
So, don’t let outdated ideas stop you from claiming what’s yours.
Millions are unknowingly skipping the support that could keep them afloat. Whether it’s covering bills, school supplies, or just breathing room—those pounds add up. Checking takes minutes, and it could change your financial picture for the better. Why wait?