The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has come under the spotlight again, but this time with potentially great news — there’s a massive £7.5 billion in unclaimed benefits just sitting unused. Yes, you read that right. A large chunk of this cash could provide monthly support of up to £1,000 to people who qualify — and surprisingly, even some high earners might be eligible.
In times when the cost of living is sky-high, this support could be a huge relief. But many people are missing out on what they’re entitled to simply because they don’t know they qualify or are unaware of the schemes altogether.
Let’s break down who this money is for, how to check if you qualify, and what you need to do to claim your share.
Where Is This Money Coming From?
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According to reports, around £7.5 billion in financial support goes unclaimed every year in the UK. This includes benefits like:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Child Benefit
- Disability-related support
- Council Tax Reduction
- Free School Meals
- Carer’s Allowance
These funds are meant to help people with basic living needs, especially in the current economic climate. But due to lack of awareness, stigma, or outdated information, millions of eligible people never apply.
Can High Earners Really Qualify?
It may sound strange, but yes — in some situations, higher earners can qualify for support too.
For example, Universal Credit is calculated based on your income and household circumstances. If you have children, pay high rent, or have health conditions, you could still be eligible even if your salary looks decent on paper.
Similarly, Pension Credit — which many older adults skip because they think they won’t qualify — can offer big financial boosts and additional benefits like free NHS dental care, housing support, and help with heating bills.
Why Are People Missing Out?
The biggest reasons people don’t claim benefits they’re eligible for are:
- They think they earn too much
- They’ve never applied and assume they won’t qualify
- The application process seems confusing or intimidating
- They’re unaware the benefit exists
- They’re put off by the idea of being “on benefits”
But times have changed, and with rising costs, support systems are being expanded to help a broader group — including working families, carers, part-time workers, and even those in salaried jobs.
What Can You Get?
Depending on your circumstances, you could receive:
- Up to £1,000 per month in combined benefits
- Help with rent or mortgage
- Reductions in council tax
- Additional child-related payments
- Access to free healthcare and prescriptions
- Cost-of-living payments and energy bill support
The total amount you can claim will depend on your personal situation — but in many cases, it adds up to hundreds or even thousands of pounds a year.
How to Check If You Qualify
The best way to find out is to use an official benefits calculator. These are free and take only a few minutes:
- EntitledTo
- Turn2Us
- Gov.uk Benefits Calculator
You just need to enter your income, expenses, household details, and employment status. The calculator will show what you could be eligible for and how to apply.
What Should You Do Next?
- Check Your Eligibility: Use a calculator to see what support you’re missing out on.
- Gather Documents: Most benefits require proof of income, housing costs, and ID.
- Apply Online or Through Your Local Council: Applications are usually straightforward — don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed.
- Stay Updated: Benefit rules can change, and new schemes often open up during difficult economic times.
Final Thoughts
The DWP’s unclaimed pot of £7.5 billion is not just for the unemployed or those on the poverty line. It’s meant to support anyone struggling with high living costs — and that includes workers, families, pensioners, and yes, even higher earners in certain cases.
If you’ve never checked what you’re entitled to, now is the time. A few minutes of your time could mean up to £1,000 extra each month — money that’s rightfully yours but currently going unclaimed.