Benefits you might be missing: a UK entitlements check

The quickest way to check is using a free benefits calculator. Turn2us (turn2us.org.uk) and EntitledTo (entitledto.co.uk) are independent, free tools that ask you about your circumstances and tell you what you might be eligible for. Policy in Practice also offers calculators. These take 10-15 minutes to complete and cover all major UK benefits. You'll need to know your household income, savings, housing costs, and basic details about everyone in your household. Citizens Advice can also do a free benefits check in person or by phone.

Universal Credit is the main means-tested benefit for working-age adults. You might be eligible if you're on a low income, working part-time, self-employed with low earnings, or between jobs. UC includes elements for housing costs, children, disability, and caring responsibilities. Many people assume UC is only for the unemployed — it's not. Working households on modest incomes often qualify. The benefit tapers as you earn more, but the taper rate means you keep 45p of every extra pound you earn (you lose 55p in UC reduction). Check eligibility even if you're working.

PIP is for people aged 16-66 with a long-term health condition or disability that affects their daily life or mobility. Crucially, PIP is not means-tested — your income and savings don't matter. You can claim it whether you're working or not. PIP is worth £28.70-£108.55 per week depending on your needs. It's one of the most under-claimed benefits because many people with qualifying conditions don't realise they're eligible, or find the application process off-putting. Conditions that commonly qualify include mental health conditions, chronic pain, diabetes, arthritis, and many others.

Pension Credit tops up your income if you've reached State Pension age and your weekly income is below £218.15 (single) or £332.95 (couple). It's worth up to £3,500+ per year and also unlocks other benefits: free TV licence if you're 75+, full Council Tax Reduction, help with NHS costs, Cold Weather Payments, and the Warm Home Discount. An estimated 880,000 eligible households don't claim Pension Credit. If you or an older relative might qualify, check immediately — it's free money that unlocks further free money.

Carer's Allowance (£81.90/week): if you care for someone for 35+ hours/week who receives certain disability benefits. Attendance Allowance: for people over State Pension age who need help with daily living — not means-tested, worth up to £108.55/week. Free School Meals: automatically entitled if you receive UC and earn under £7,400/year (after tax). Healthy Start vouchers: for pregnant women and families with children under 4 on certain benefits — £4.25/week for fruit, vegetables, and milk. Council Tax Reduction: separate from Council Tax Support, this can reduce your bill by up to 100% depending on your council and circumstances.

Pride and stigma stop many people — but benefits are entitlements you've paid for through taxes and National Insurance. Complexity puts others off — the system is confusing, and forms are long. Some people assume they won't qualify because they have savings or work part-time. And many simply don't know certain benefits exist. The reality is: these are your rights as a UK citizen. If you're eligible, claiming isn't 'taking' — it's receiving what you're entitled to. Unclaimed benefits don't go back into the system in any meaningful way; they're just unspent budget.

Spending 15 minutes on a free benefits calculator could reveal entitlements worth hundreds or thousands of pounds per year. Don't assume you won't qualify — check and find out. Pay particular attention to non-means-tested benefits like PIP and Attendance Allowance, which many eligible people miss. And if you have older relatives, help them check too — Pension Credit alone is worth billions in unclaimed money. The system is there to support you. Use it.