Over three million households are set to experience financial setbacks due to changes in welfare benefits, with a significant number of individuals not claiming their entitled Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits.
An astonishing £23 billion in government aid goes unclaimed annually in the UK, highlighting the importance of verifying eligibility for unclaimed funds. A pensioner residing in Manchester saw a substantial increase of over £2,000 per year after seeking assistance from a charity to access entitled benefits.
Michael Eastick, a 73-year-old from Manchester, struggling with anxiety and depression, sought help from Money Wellness to explore potential unclaimed DWP benefits. The additional funds not only significantly improved his financial situation but also aided in his mental well-being recovery and rekindled his enjoyment of life.
In the UK, an estimated 8.4 million individuals might be missing out on an average of £2,700 annually in unclaimed benefits and financial aid.
Upon reviewing his specific circumstances, the charity identified that Michael was not availing Housing Benefit, resulting in an annual loss of over £2,000 in payments.
“The housing benefit had a profound impact, alleviating my depression and enhancing my overall well-being,” mentioned Michael. “It has enabled me to engage in activities I cherish and improved my quality of life.”
Struggling with mental health issues, Michael, as a pensioner, found the complex forms to be a significant challenge that he could not overcome single-handedly.
“Under normal circumstances, I would have managed this years ago, but my mental health hindered me. The support from Money Wellness and Age UK boosted my confidence and guided me through the form submissions,” he expressed.
Money Wellness, mandated by the government’s Money and Pensions Service, offers complimentary advice on money-saving, debt management, and benefit entitlements.
The advisors assisted over 300,000 individuals last year in securing energy grants and benefit claims, revealing that Michael was eligible for £192 monthly in Housing Benefit.
While around 1.8 million people supplement their household income with benefits, the unclaimed financial support amounting to £32 billion last year indicates that many are missing out on potential assistance to cope with escalating living expenses.
“In the past year, we conducted over 20,000 benefit assessments, leading to a £45 million increase in funds,” stated a charity spokesperson. “On average, individuals assessed received an additional £250 monthly, equating to £3,000 annually.”
“We offer remote assistance via phone or online nationwide, and our website www.moneywellness.com features a free benefit checker tool.”
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