UK Households Urged To Claim £628 DWP Payment And Advised ‘Don’t Delay’

A shocking £9.6 billion in Universal Credit is currently unclaimed across the UK, according to new data from the charity Turn2us.

This means that thousands of families who are entitled to financial support are missing out simply because they have not applied.

The report also highlights that other benefits are going unused. Around £588 million in Carer’s Allowance and £636 million in New-Style Jobseeker’s Allowance remain unclaimed.

For many struggling with the rising cost of living, these funds could provide essential relief — but awareness and accessibility remain major barriers.

Findings From Turn2us Research

Turn2us runs a free Benefits Calculator, which has already been used by 1.5 million people. Interestingly, 60% of those users discovered they were eligible for support they were not claiming.

Anna Stevenson, a Benefits Expert at Turn2us, explained that too many people simply do not know what they are entitled to:

“Our data shows that there is support available for many, but all too often it’s difficult to find. The Turn2us Benefits Calculator cuts through the confusion.

It’s fast, free and completely anonymous. Just a few minutes could help you uncover extra cash you didn’t even know you could claim.”

Why People Miss Out on Benefits

One of the biggest challenges is the stigma and misunderstanding around claiming benefits. Many people believe that benefits are only available in cases of extreme poverty.

This mindset often prevents eligible individuals from applying, even if they are working multiple jobs but still struggling to make ends meet.

For example, one mother interviewed by The Big Issue magazine shared that she was working three jobs but never considered applying for Universal Credit. She explained:

“I was guilty of believing the stereotype of why people have benefits – they have to be in absolute depravity. I just didn’t think that I fit.”

Her story highlights the deep misconceptions about welfare support in the UK, leading to billions being left unused.

Universal Credit Standard Allowance

The Universal Credit standard allowance is currently worth £628.10 per month for a couple where both partners are over 25.

For many households, this amount could make a significant difference in managing rising energy bills, housing costs, and school expenses.

As back-to-school costs increase and families struggle to cover basic needs, experts stress that people should not delay applying for benefits.

Waiting until financial circumstances worsen could place households under unnecessary stress.

The Role of the Benefits Calculator

The Turn2us Benefits Calculator has been designed to help people quickly and easily find out what they qualify for.

The process is completely anonymous, free, and takes only a few minutes.

Users answer simple questions about their circumstances, and the tool highlights which benefits they can claim.

Stevenson urged families not to wait:

“We know it’s tough right now, especially with back-to-school costs stacking up and household bills climbing. Don’t wait until things get harder – check now and ease the pressure on your family.”

By using this tool, individuals could potentially access hundreds of pounds each month, easing the financial burden many households are facing.

Social Impact of Unclaimed Benefits

The reality is that unclaimed benefits not only harm individual families but also weaken community resilience.

When money meant for households goes unused, the wider economy misses out too, as that money would typically be spent locally on essentials such as food, clothing, and utilities.

Experts believe that by increasing awareness campaigns and making the application process easier, billions of pounds could reach the people who need it most.

The latest figures reveal a worrying truth: billions of pounds in Universal Credit and other benefits are being left unclaimed every year in the UK.

Misconceptions, stigma, and lack of awareness are preventing people from accessing the support they are entitled to.

With the cost of living still climbing and families under immense financial strain, it has never been more important for eligible households to act.

Tools such as the Turn2us Benefits Calculator offer a simple, quick, and private way to check what support is available.

By taking just a few minutes to apply, families could uncover life-changing financial help.

The message is clear: don’t delay, check now, and claim what is rightfully yours.

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