Millions Missing Out On Unclaimed Universal Credit – Could You Receive Up To £7,537?

Every year, billions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed in the UK.

Many families, carers, and jobseekers are not receiving the financial support they are entitled to simply because they are unaware of it or find the system too complicated.

Recent research by the charity Turn2Us revealed that struggling households missed out on £9.6 billion in Universal Credit alone over the last 12 months.

On top of that, hundreds of millions of pounds in Carer’s Allowance and New-Style Jobseeker’s Allowance were also left unclaimed.

This means that millions of people could be missing out on extra income at a time when the cost of living is rising and household bills continue to increase.

Let’s break down the benefits that many are failing to claim and how you can check your eligibility.

Billions Left Unclaimed Across Key Benefits

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a monthly payment designed to support people on a low income or those who are currently out of work.

According to Turn2Us, more than £9.6 billion in Universal Credit went unclaimed in the past year.

• If you are over 25 and living with a partner, you could receive up to £628.10 per month, which adds up to £7,537 per year.
• Single people under 25 can receive £316.98 a month, while those aged 25 or above can get £400.14 per month.
• Couples under 25 can receive £497.55 per month, increasing to £628.10 if at least one partner is over 25.

In addition, there are extra top-ups available for people with disabilities and those paying rent.

You can apply directly through the gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim portal.

Carer’s Allowance

Carers play a vital role in society, yet many miss out on claiming the support available to them.

Last year, nearly 185,000 carers left £588 million in Carer’s Allowance unclaimed.

This benefit is worth £83.30 per week – adding up to £4,331.60 annually.

To qualify, you must:

• Care for someone at least 35 hours a week.
• Earn less than £196 a week after tax.
• Provide details of the person you care for, along with your National Insurance number, bank account details, and payslips.

Applications can be submitted online at gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim.

New-Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Another key benefit that went unclaimed is the New-Style Jobseeker’s Allowance, with over 135,000 people missing out on a total of £636 million.

This benefit provides financial support while you search for work or work part-time.

• Payments are £92.05 per week if you are 25 or older.
• You can claim it for up to six months, which could total £2,393.30.
• It is available if you work less than 16 hours a week.

To apply, you’ll need:

• National Insurance number.
• Bank or building society details.
• Employment history for the past six months.

Claims can be submitted online at apply-for-new-style-jsa.dwp.gov.uk.

Why Are People Missing Out?

Many households are not aware of their entitlements because the system can be confusing. Anna Stevenson, a benefits expert at Turn2Us, explained:

“Our data shows that there is support available for many, but all too often it’s difficult to find.

The Turn2Us Benefits Calculator cuts through the confusion. It’s fast, free, and anonymous – just a few minutes could uncover extra cash you didn’t know you could claim.”

The charity also noted that with back-to-school expenses and rising household bills, families should not delay checking for benefits that could ease financial stress.

Tools to Check What You Can Claim

If you are unsure whether you qualify for benefits, several online calculators can help you find out quickly:

• Turn2Us Benefits Calculator – free, fast, and anonymous.
• Entitledto Calculator – works out if you qualify for Universal Credit, tax credits, and other benefits.
• MoneySavingExpert & StepChange Tools – powered by Entitledto data.
• Policy in Practice Calculator – shows potential entitlements and how much money you’ll have left after paying rent or mortgage.

Although calculators provide estimates, your exact entitlement is only confirmed when you make a formal claim.

How to Apply for Benefits

Each benefit has its own application process:

• Universal Credit: Apply at gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim.
• Carer’s Allowance: Apply at gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim.
• New-Style JSA: Apply at apply-for-new-style-jsa.dwp.gov.uk.

Make sure you have your National Insurance number, bank details, employment records, and supporting documents ready before applying.

The reality is that millions of pounds in financial aid remain unclaimed every year, leaving struggling families, carers, and jobseekers without the money they are entitled to.

If you are on a low income, caring for someone, or currently unemployed, you may be missing out on thousands of pounds annually.

With the help of tools like the Turn2Us Benefits Calculator and others, you can quickly check if you qualify and apply online within minutes.

Don’t wait until bills pile up further – take action today to see if you could claim extra support and secure your family’s financial future.

Frequently Asked Questions