DWP £1,900 PER Year: Around 970,000 low-income Brits were missing out on support worth £1.5billion

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that nearly 970,000 low-income Brits are missing out on vital financial support, worth an estimated £1.5 billion annually. Eligible individuals could be receiving up to £1,900 per year in additional benefits, but many remain unaware of their entitlement.

In this article, we will break down who qualifies for this financial aid, how to claim it, and the steps individuals can take to ensure they do not miss out on the money they are entitled to.

What Is the £1,900 Annual Support?

The £1,900 annual financial assistance comes from unclaimed benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Support. These schemes are designed to help low-income individuals and families manage the rising cost of living, yet many people are still not claiming them.

According to recent statistics from the DWP, around 970,000 eligible individuals have not claimed their share of the £1.5 billion available funds, meaning thousands of families are missing out on financial aid that could significantly improve their standard of living.

Breakdown of Unclaimed Benefits:

• Pension Credit – Over 850,000 pensioners could be eligible but have not claimed their entitlement.
• Universal Credit – Thousands of low-income workers and jobseekers are not aware they qualify for Universal Credit support.
• Housing Benefit – Many people renting homes do not realize they could receive assistance with their rent.
• Council Tax Support – Some individuals eligible for discounts on their council tax bills are not applying.

Who Is Eligible for This Support?

Many individuals who qualify for DWP benefits do not claim them due to a lack of awareness, misconceptions about eligibility, or difficulties in the application process. To help clarify, here are some of the main eligibility criteria:

1. Pension Credit

• Available to individuals over the State Pension age with a low income.
• Provides extra money for living costs and helps with housing expenses (rent and mortgage interest payments).
• Can act as a gateway to additional benefits such as free TV licenses and cold weather payments.

2. Universal Credit

• Designed for low-income workers, unemployed individuals, and people unable to work.
• Available to those aged 18 or over (or 16+ in certain cases) who have savings under £16,000.
• Includes support for housing costs, childcare, and job-seeking expenses.

3. Housing Benefit

• Helps low-income renters afford housing costs.
• Available for retirees, disabled individuals, and some Universal Credit claimants.
• Can significantly reduce monthly rent expenses.

4. Council Tax Support

• Reduces council tax bills for eligible individuals.
• Available to low-income households, pensioners, and disabled individuals.
• Discounts vary based on income, household size, and local authority rules.

Why Are So Many People Missing Out?

Despite the financial support being readily available, many low-income individuals fail to claim their entitlements due to the following reasons:

1. Lack of Awareness – Many people do not know they qualify for financial support.
2. Complex Application Processes – Some find the process too complicated or confusing.
3. Stigma Around Benefits – Some individuals feel uncomfortable claiming benefits.
4. Misconceptions About Eligibility – Many assume they earn too much or do not meet the criteria.
5. Language and Accessibility Barriers – Some people struggle with the online application system or language barriers.

How to Claim Your £1,900 in Benefits

If you think you might be missing out on financial support, follow these steps to check and claim your entitlement:

Step 1: Use an Online Benefits Calculator

There are several free benefits calculators available on the GOV.UK website, which allow you to enter your details and see what benefits you might be entitled to. Some of the most commonly used tools include:

• Turn2Us
• EntitledTo
• Policy in Practice

Step 2: Check Your Pension Credit Eligibility

If you are over the State Pension age, check if you qualify for Pension Credit. Even if you receive a small pension or savings, you could still be eligible for extra income.

Step 3: Apply for Universal Credit

If you are on a low income or unemployed, you may be eligible for Universal Credit. You can apply through the GOV.UK website or visit your local Jobcentre Plus for assistance.

Step 4: Claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support

Check with your local council to see if you qualify for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support. Some councils offer additional hardship funds for those struggling with payments.

Step 5: Seek Advice from a Benefits Advisor

If you are unsure about your eligibility, consider speaking with a benefits advisor from Citizens Advice or other support organizations.

How This Extra Income Can Help You

For those who qualify, receiving an extra £1,900 per year can make a significant difference. It can help cover:

• Utility bills – Rising energy costs are a major burden for many families.
• Food expenses – Helps to afford nutritious meals and groceries.
• Medical costs – Extra support for prescriptions and healthcare.
• Rent and council tax – Reducing the stress of housing costs.

Conclusion

With £1.5 billion in unclaimed financial support, nearly 970,000 low-income Brits are missing out on up to £1,900 per year in benefits. The government has urged individuals to check their eligibility and claim what they are entitled to.

By using benefits calculators, seeking advice, and applying through the correct channels, eligible individuals can access these crucial funds.

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