Warning as millions on benefits miss out on payments boost worth £3.1billion due to common errors
MILLIONS of Brits could be missing out on vital benefit payments, with a staggering £3.1billion going unclaimed due to common errors.
New figures reveal that many people are failing to receive the financial support they're entitled to.
This is simply because they aren't aware of the full extent of their eligibility or are not reporting changes in their circumstances.
The latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data shows that total benefit expenditure has risen to £292.2billion, up from £266.2billion the previous year.
However, a concerning 1.3% of this - equivalent to £3.7billion – isn't reaching those who need it most, according to the DWP.
Which benefits are most affected?
A large amount of unclaimed financial support is tied to three main benefits: disability living allowance (DLA), personal independence payments (PIP), and Universal Credit (UC).
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Over £1.06billion in PIP payments is unclaimed because many people with long-term disabilities or health conditions have not informed the DWP about their worsening condition or need for additional help.
Meanwhile, nearly £980million in Universal Credit goes unclaimed, often because people don't update their work coach about changes in their circumstances.
This can include things like higher rent or taking on caring responsibilities.
Around £850million in DLA payments is unclaimed, leaving many individuals with disabilities without the support they are entitled to.
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Other benefits also have unclaimed funds.
Housing benefit has £180million in unclaimed funds, often due to claimants not reporting rent increases or reductions in their income.
Pension credit sees £100million unclaimed because people fail to update the DWP about changes in their financial situation or household composition.
Why are people missing out?
The main reason people miss out on benefits is failing to report changes in their circumstances.
This includes not telling the DWP about things like rent increases, new caring responsibilities, worsening health conditions, a divorce, changes in financial assets, or changes in household composition.
Another common reason is a lack of awareness.
Many people are simply unaware that they are eligible for certain benefits or additional support within those benefits.
Changes you need to report
- Changing your name or gender
- Finding or finishing a job, or working different hours
- Your income going up or down
- Starting or stopping education, training or an apprenticeship
- Moving house
- People moving into or out of the place you live (for example your partner, a child or lodger)
- The death of your partner or someone you live with
- Having a baby
- Starting or stopping caring for someone
- Getting married or divorced
- Starting or ending a civil partnership
- Planning to go abroad for any length of time
- Going into hospital, a care home or sheltered accommodation
- Any changes to your medical condition or disability
- Changing your doctor
- Changes to your pension, savings, investments or property
- Changes to other money you get (for example student loans or grants, sick pay or money you get from a charity)
- Changes to the benefits you or anyone else in your house gets
- You or your partner getting back-pay (sometimes called ‘arrears’) for salary or earnings you’re owed
- Changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen
How do I report a change in circumstances?
Reporting a change in circumstances might feel overwhelming, but it’s much simpler than you might think.
If you receive Universal Credit, you can easily report changes through your online journal.
Alternatively, you can call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 for assistance.
For those receiving DLA or PIP, changes should be reported by calling the Disability Service Centre on 0800 121 4433.
If you are claiming pension credit, you can report any changes by contacting the Pension Service helpline on 0800 731 0469.
For housing benefit-related enquiries, you’ll need to contact your local council directly.
You can find your local council’s contact details by visiting gov.uk/find-local-council.
Reporting a change in circumstances doesn't always mean you'll get more money, and in some cases, it could result in your payments being reduced.
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However, it's crucial to inform the DWP about any changes.
If you're found to have been overpaid and didn't report it, the DWP can ask you to repay the money.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity works out what you could get.
Entitledto's determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data.
You can use to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
