Martin Lewis urges Brits on low incomes to check if they can claim £5,800 from DWP
by Abbie Wightwick, Alex Evans, Sam Dimmer · Wales OnlineMartin Lewis's Money Saving Expert (MSE) website is urging people earning £35,000 or less to claim a substantial £5,800 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The MSE site has revealed that 1.4 million people are neglecting to claim an average of £5,800 annually in Universal Credit payments, particularly those households earning under £35,000.
This monthly benefit is designed to help those with low or no income towards their housing or living costs. It's thought that households with lower incomes are missing out on payments averaging £5,800 per year.
However, if you have children or high childcare costs, you could still be eligible for some Universal Credit payments even if your earnings reach up to £60,000 annually, according to Martin Lewis's MSE. The Government's Universal Credit website states: "You may be able to get Universal Credit if you're on a low income or need help with your living costs. "
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Martin Lewis's Money Saving Expert website says: "The Government stipulates that claimants must live in the UK, be aged 18 or over and be under state pension age. You also must have £16,000 or less in your bank account, including savings or investments. If one of you or your partner has reached state pension age, you can still claim Universal Credit as a couple but these payments will stop once both of you reach state pension age."
As reported by the Express, Martin Lewis's Money Saving Expert (MSE) states: "UNIVERSAL CREDIT - 1.4 MILLION miss out on an average of up to £5,800 a year. The catch-all monthly benefit to support those of working age (with low or no income) with living and housing costs. Who's likely missing out? Households with lower incomes, up to roughly £35,000/yr, though if you've kids, high childcare costs and rent, it could be £60,000/yr.", reports Derbyshire Live.