Billions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed in the UK every year. The complexity of the system, stigma around claiming, and bureaucratic friction all contribute to a situation where many people who are entitled to financial support do not receive it.
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Universal Credit
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Universal Credit is the main working-age benefit, replacing six legacy benefits including Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, and Jobseeker's Allowance. The standard allowance for a single person aged 25 or over is £393.45 per month from April 2026.
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Additional elements are paid on top of the standard allowance: a child element (£333.33 per month for a first child), a housing costs element for renters, a childcare element for working parents, a limited capability for work element for those with health conditions, and a carer element.
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Child Benefit
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Child Benefit pays £26.05 per week for an eldest or only child (£108.75/month) and £17.25 per week (£74.07/month) for each additional child, from April 2026.
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The High Income Child Benefit Charge applies to households where someone earns over £60,000, clawing back Child Benefit through the tax system. It tapers to zero at £80,000.
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Pension Credit
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Pension Credit is among the most under-claimed benefits in the UK system. Around 800,000 eligible pensioners do not claim it. The standard minimum guarantee is £227.10 per week for single pensioners.
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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PIP provides financial support to people with long-term health conditions or disabilities. It is not means-tested — income and savings do not affect eligibility.
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The standard daily living component pays £72.65 per week; the enhanced rate £108.55. The standard mobility component pays £28.70; the enhanced rate £75.75.
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How to Find Out What You're Entitled To
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Use the Turn2Us benefits calculator at turn2us.org.uk or the EntitledTo calculator at entitledto.co.uk. These are free, anonymous, and comprehensive. Citizens Advice also provides free in-person help.
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