William Eichler 02 May 2023

Nearly £19bn of benefits go unclaimed

Nearly £19bn of benefits go unclaimed image
Image: Art-Dolgov / Shutterstock.com.

The total amount of unclaimed income-related benefits and social tariffs is now £18.7bn a year, a new study has found.

The report from think tank Policy in Practice estimates that £7.5bn of Universal Credit is unclaimed by 1.2 million eligible households.

The report, entitled Missing out: £19bn of support goes unclaimed each year, also found that £2.9bn of Council Tax Support is unclaimed by over 2.7 million eligible households each year.

The think tank says that benefits go unclaimed because of administrative complexity and a lack of awareness among potential claimants that they are eligible for support.

It also highlighted the stigma associated with claiming benefits and the increasing fragmentation of support.

As well as unclaimed Universal Credit and Council Tax Support, the report estimated there was £2bn in unclaimed Carers Allowance and £1.75bn in Pension Credit. Child Benefit (£1.13bn) and Housing Benefit (pension age) (£929m) were also cited.

The think tank advises councils to identify eligible residents using data analytics and contact them to inform them of the benefits they are missing out on.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Pre-School/Nursery Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
Pre-School/Nursery AssistantPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 Qualified

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 QualifiedPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Trading Standards Project Officer - Tobacco and Vapes

Essex County Council
£26601.0000 - £31295.0000 per annum
Trading Standards Project Officer - Tobacco and VapesFixed Term, Full Time£26,601 to £31,295 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Care Worker - WMF2272e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£34,434 - £35,412
We have an exciting opportunity, for a passionate, enthusiastic person Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprenticeships & Intermediate Labour Market Coordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Create real opportunities for local people and help shape a fairer future. As an Apprenticeships and Intermediate Labour Market Coordinator, you'll wo England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner