UK households miss out on £24 billion in unclaimed benefits

A recent Policy in Practice report finds that more than seven million households across the United Kingdom are missing out on roughly £24 billion in unclaimed benefits. The gaps affect programmes such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Carer’s Allowance and Child Benefit. Specific shortfalls include 761,000 pensioners without Pension Credit, 1.671 million working‑age adults lacking Universal Credit, 553,000 missing Carer’s Allowance and 742,000 families without Child Benefit.

Take‑up rates have risen modestly from 63 % to 65 %, with particular improvement in Pension Credit claims, but overall access remains "challenging". Claire Atchia McMaster, director at Turn2us, said the system is fragmented and demoralises claimants, urging reforms that rebuild trust in the Department for Work and Pensions.

The report encourages households to use free online calculators or contact helplines to verify eligibility, noting that eligible pensioners could receive an average boost of £4,300 and low‑income families may save up to £900 annually through Council Tax Reduction schemes.