People missing out on billions of pounds in unclaimed benefits - CAP 

UK debt and budgeting help charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) says more than £90 million of unclaimed income has been found in the year it launched a free benefits calculator on its website - and is encouraging those struggling with rising costs to check whether they could be entitled too  

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) launched a free benefits calculator on its website in partnership with a fellow anti-poverty charity, Turn2Us.

New figures now launched by the charity reveal that, one year on, more than £90 million of unclaimed income has been found at a time when millions are struggling with the cost of living. 

More than 150,000 individuals completed the online calculations, according to the charity - and almost 14,000 have found extra income

The average monthly amount found was £513.

Nationally, it’s estimated £19 billion of annual income is still not being claimed - CAP says many 'don’t know what they’re entitled to, others find the process of applying overly complex, and others can feel shut out through lack of digital access or local support.'

As a result it's urging people to visit capuk.org/calculator and take the free, 10 minute check. 

CAP’s Director of External Affairs, Gareth McNab said, 'The benefits calculator on Christians Against Poverty’s website is an incredible, free tool that I’m very passionate about because it’s helping thousands of people to find millions of pounds of vital extra money at a time when prices are through the roof and many are struggling to cope with the ever increasing cost of living. 

'People in and out of work could be entitled to some form of benefits depending on their circumstances so it’s always worth checking. 

'I’m urging everyone, please encourage your friends, family and check yourself to see if you’re entitled to some form of benefits by using the Turn2us benefits calculator at capuk.org/benefitscalculator.'

With the Conservative Party conference underway in Manchester, Mr McNab, also called on the UK Government to highlight the issue. 

'It’s horrific to think that there is 19 billion pounds each year on a desk in Whitehall that should be in people’s pockets - there are no good reasons to withhold that vital support, and every effort should be being made to connect everyone with their entitlements.

'We are calling on the UK Government - and the devolved governments too - to prioritise helping those in poverty and on low incomes by launching an urgent awareness campaign to ensure people know about the money they’re entitled to.

'This will help relieve some of the financial pressure many are facing.  There are exciting opportunities to match data across Government departments and with local authorities too, that could lead to much larger numbers of people getting support they sorely need.'

Lisa is one who used the benefits calculator. Despite being in work, she discovered she was entitled to around £250 of benefits a month that she was previously missing out on.

'I am working, most of the time when you’re working you don’t get anything.” That is what I thought. But then I thought it’s only going to take a couple of minutes so just out of curiosity I did it. 

'Then I heard back and was told I would be entitled to around £250 extra a month! I went onto the government website and filled in all the forms online and they told me I would be entitled to Universal Credit. 

'With the cost of living going up, it has made a huge difference. I can pay my bills. It has kept me out of debt. It has taken a lot of pressure off.'

CAP says its frontline debt coaches now use the online calculator as a 'first contact' tool to engage with people when they go out into their local communities. 

184 Baptist church currently partner with CAP.


Access CAP's free benefits calculator here: capuk.org/benefitscalculator