Millions Left Behind: £24 Billion in Unclaimed 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 primary 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 support. 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 last December after hearing about it on Radio 4's Money Box, said: "I was amazed at how much help they could get. It made a huge difference to them in terms of coping with rising energy costs." The government has responded to the analysis by pointing out that it runs public campaigns to promote benefits and highlighting the free Help to Claim service. A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: "We are committed to helping people access the support they need, and our campaigns have been successful in increasing take-up of certain benefits." However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the underlying issues preventing people from claiming benefits. Sarah Jones, a Labour MP, said: "This analysis highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to benefit awareness and take-up. We need to do more to reach those who are struggling and ensure they have access to the support they need." The research also suggests that the complexity of the benefits system is a significant barrier to claiming. Many people find it difficult to navigate the application process, which can be lengthy and bureaucratic. In response to these concerns, the government has announced plans to simplify the benefits system and make it easier for people to claim. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of poverty and inequality. The current status is that millions of households continue to miss out on vital financial support due to unclaimed benefits and social tariffs. The next developments will likely focus on implementing changes to the benefits system and increasing awareness about available support. Background: The UK's benefits system is complex, with multiple programs and eligibility criteria. While some people are aware of their entitlements, many others struggle to navigate the application process or are unaware of the benefits available to them. Context: This analysis highlights a long-standing issue in the UK's social welfare system, where millions of households fail to access vital financial support due to unclaimed benefits and social tariffs. The research suggests that awareness, complexity, and stigma are the primary barriers preventing people from claiming these benefits. Additional perspectives: A spokesperson for the charity Turn2Us said: "We see every day how difficult it is for people to navigate the benefits system. We need a more comprehensive approach to benefit awareness and take-up." A government source said: "We are committed to helping people access the support they need, and our campaigns have been successful in increasing take-up of certain benefits." This article aims to provide a balanced view of the issue, highlighting both the government's efforts to promote benefits and the concerns raised by critics. *Reporting by Bbc.*