Ellie Ames 19 April 2024

£23bn in benefits goes unclaimed

£23bn in benefits goes unclaimed image
Image: Art-Dolgov / Shutterstock.com

The total amount of unclaimed benefits in the UK is now £22.7 billion a year, analysis has found.

The figure includes more than £5bn in unclaimed benefits that are locally administered, including £3.4bn in unclaimed council tax support.

Overall, 8.4 million people could be missing out on an average of £2,700 per year in rights-based benefits, the research by Policy in Practice found.

The social policy and analytics firm said money was going unclaimed because of a lack of awareness about available support, the complexity claimants face in navigating the system, and the stigma surrounding benefits.

Policy in Practice director Deven Ghelani said: ‘Support from the social security system is a right.

‘The failure to deliver support to people who are entitled to it directly affects education, health outcomes and social participation for millions of people.’

The total figure for unclaimed support is £4bn higher than previous estimates, which Policy in Practice said was due to the uprating of benefits, Universal Credit rollout, and refined estimates on take-up rates.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner