Seven Million Households Miss Out on £24 Billion of Benefits and Support

Millions Missing Out on Benefits and Government Support, Analysis Suggests A new analysis by Policy in Practice has revealed that seven million households are missing out on £24 billion of financial help and support due to unclaimed benefits and social tariffs. The research highlights awareness, complexity, and stigma as the main barriers preventing people from claiming these benefits. According to the study, which covers benefits across England, Scotland, and Wales, including universal credit and pension credit, local authority assistance such as free school meals and council tax support, as well as social tariffs from water, energy, and broadband providers, millions of households are failing to access vital financial aid. The analysis suggests that this is due in part to a lack of awareness about the benefits available, with many people unaware of their eligibility or how to claim. Andrea Paterson, who persuaded her mother to apply for attendance allowance on behalf of her father after hearing about it on Radio 4's Money Box, said: "I was amazed at how much help we could get. It made a huge difference in our lives and helped us cope with rising energy costs." The government has responded to the findings by pointing out that public campaigns have been run to promote benefits and highlighting the free Help to Claim service. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to raise awareness and simplify the claims process. A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: "We are committed to helping people access the support they need. Our public campaigns and the Help to Claim service have been successful in encouraging people to claim benefits." But Labour MP, Rachel Reeves, argued that the government's efforts were not enough. "This analysis highlights a major problem with our benefits system," she said. "Many people are missing out on vital financial help due to complexity and stigma. We need to do more to raise awareness and simplify the claims process." The research by Policy in Practice suggests that addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that those who need it most can access the support they require. In response to the findings, the government has announced plans to review its benefits system and explore ways to improve awareness and accessibility. The Department for Work and Pensions will also be working with local authorities and social tariffs providers to ensure that people are aware of the help available to them. As the analysis highlights the need for greater awareness and simplification of the claims process, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to address the issue of millions missing out on benefits and government support. *Reporting by Bbc.*