MARTIN LEWIS' MONEY SAVING EXPERT URGES MILLIONS TO CHECK THEY AREN'T MISSING OUT ON A SHARE OF £19 BILLION IN UNCLAIMED BENEFITS
Martin Lewis has urged Brits to check they aren't missing out on their share of £19 billion pounds from unclaimed benefits. The Money Expert has long worked to inform the public of the different benefits and support payment available.
His money website MoneySavingExpert said: "Now a new report from think tank Policy in Practice details the exact scale... as much as £19 BILLION in support is unclaimed EVERY YEAR." There are a number of different benefits that millions of people could meet the requirements for that they are unaware about.
Possibly the most well known benefit available is Universal Credit, but according to the report more than one million people are missing out on an average of £9,600 a year. The monthly payment is designed to help those of working age with living and housing costs.
Another benefit that many people could be missing out on is Council Tax Support. Up to three million people are missing out on more than £1,000 a year. It is up to individual councils to run their own scheme and set the amount that people are entitled to.
Carer's Allowance gives support to someone who provides unpaid care to someone in need, such as a family member. It is thought some 500,000 people are missing out on up to £4,000 in help each year.
Around 850,000 pensioners could also be missing out on £3,500 a year pension credit. The benefit is there to support pensioners by topping up their income. Parents can also get support from the government with Child Benefit. Around 750,000 families are thought to be missing out on an average of £2,075 in support payments.
Struggling families can also get help with free school meals. It is thought around 250,000 families are missing out on extra £500 benefit to help give children a cooked meal.
Find out more about how to check which benefits you're entitled to here.
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