Martin Lewis issues £19 billion warning to millions of Brits
A warning valued at a staggering £19 billion has been issued by the UK's finance king Martin Lewis and you really should stop and listen.
Lewis, who founded the Money Saving Expert (MSE) platform, is a household name after spending years of his life championing the finances of the ordinary man and woman.
Whether that's how to save cash on your Spotify subscription or why you should 'check your pay now' and one very important tax change, he'll often tell you about ways to save cash that you didn't think was possible.
Advert
It's what makes the MSE brand so valuable and why he sold it for a staggering £87 million back in 2012. He still sits as executive chairman within the company and retains control of its editorial output.
One of MSE's biggest products is its weekly newsletter in which Lewis and his team round up the most important money messages for the week.
In the latest, Lewis issues an alert to his audience worth a combined £19 billion.
And it impacts millions of us, with the money available from the government but simply not claimed.
He's on about benefits, which rose by an above-inflation rate in April after being upped by 6.7%. And the message is clear, with an emphasis on 'don't assume it's not you' that could benefit with some on higher incomes due a pot of cash.
"Benefits were increased by 6.7% last week (some relating to pensions by 8.5%), impacting the incomes of millions of people, including many who are in work," Lewis' newsletter says.
"The increase also means some, at the edges of thresholds, will be eligible who weren't before (as you can now earn a higher amount before you lose benefits).
"As it's estimated millions are missing out on what they're entitled to, it's worth checking."
Through its own analysis, here is what is owed and to who:
Universal Credit
Roughly 1.25 million (yes, million!) in the United Kingdom are missing out on this every year.
And the average claim that's not being taken? We're talking £10,000 a year.
Those most likely to be not claiming the money are those in low-income households; we're talking under £35,000 a year. This could be as high as £60,000 though if you've got children.
Carer's Allowance
Some 500,000 people are missing out here and it is on a pot of money that could be as much as £4,000 every year.
It's given to those who act as unpaid carers. That can be for your spouse, child, or even someone you're unrelated to by blood.
"You must care for someone who usually gets Attendance Allowance, or some on personal independence payment or disability living allowance," the newsletter says.
You've also got to spend 35 hours or more a week helping with normal tasks such as washing or cooking them food. They must also earn under £151 a week or have a low state pension.
Attendance Allowance
A staggering 1.1 million are missing out here with at least £3,778 going unclaimed.
It's for pensioners and is not means-tested.
A fixed cash sum of £3,778 a year or £5,644 a year is given out to those who need help.
You're likely to be entitled to it if you have needed help for more than six months, day or night, with such things as daily living or needing to be supervised.
"It's common for those with Parkinson's, dementia, terminal illness, blindness, learning difficulties and more," the newsletter says.
Pension Credit
This is worth £3,900 a year if you qualify, with 850,000 pensioners currently not claiming the cash.
It exists to top up for income for the year and also qualifies you for other discounts such as a free TV Licence.
You're in for a shout of qualifying if you are of state pension age and have a weekly income that's less than £235 (or £350 for a couple).
Council tax support
This is a biggie, with some three million missing out.
And the cash that isn't being claimed is more than a grand a year.
The newsletter says: "Every council runs its own scheme, so what you get depends on where you live, but it can cut your council tax bill by up to 100%."
Those on means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit and Universal Credit are the most likely to benefit from the big discounts here.
And with discounts on council tax not being automatic, you must apply.
Housing Benefit
Worth five grand a year, you're better off looking in to this if you're of pension age with 250,000 OAPs missing out every single year.
You can qualify for a similar benefit if you're under the age of 66 but it'll be to support your housing costs through Universal Credit.
Those renting in their pensioner years on a low income may qualify.
Broadband social tariffs
One that's often forgotten about. But it can save you at least £20 every month.
And with 5.3 million households missing out, it's a big one. Just three per cent of those eligible are claiming the discount.
The newsletter says: "Social tariffs are discounted broadband deals offered by some firms to people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and sometimes other means-tested benefits."
Water social tariffs
Another one similar to broadband, this one isn't claimed by 5.7 million.
If you claim you can save around £160 every year.
Every water company in the country has a social tariff scheme, with it available to those on low income. What classes as 'low income' differs from company to company, so it's worth checking them out if you think you could benefit.
Free school meals
A quarter of a million families aren't claiming this when they could.
And with the cost of food skyrocketing, it's value is bigger than ever with a saving of £650 a year up for grabs.
It's for kids under the age of 18 during the school day and most commonly available if a parent takes home Universal Credit.
Topics: Cost of Living, Martin Lewis, Money, Politics, UK News, Lifestyle
Tom Earnshaw