Martin Lewis' MSE issues warning over 'unclaimed' DWP benefits worth £5,800

Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert says £23 billion of benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions is going unclaimed. The BBC and ITV star who heads up the MSE website shared how unclaimed benefits from the DWP are costing pensioners.

MSE says Universal Credit is a benefit which is seeing 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 & 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," MSE said.

Attendance Allowance is seeing 1.1 MILLION pensioners miss out on at least £3,778 a year, and 530,000 carers miss out on up to £4,250 a year due to Carer's Allowance. Pension Credit is seeing 760,000 pensioner households miss out on £3,900 a year.

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MSE said: "Pension Credit tops up your income. On average it's worth £3,900/yr, but claim even if you're only due 50p, as its SUPERPOWER is to qualify you for extra benefits. These include the Winter Fuel Payment (if you're eligible, you'll need to apply by 21 December and backdate your claim to September to qualify for this year's), Council Tax Reduction and free TV licences (if you're over 75).

"Who's likely missing out? Tough to say, but it's worth a check if you're of State Pension age and have a weekly income below £235 (£350 if you're a couple, both of State Pension age)." Housing Benefit is seeing 294,000 pensioners miss out on an average £4,400-a-year rent help.

Policy in Practice estimates that the total amount of unclaimed income related benefits and social tariffs across Great Britain is now £22.7 billion a year. This represents a 21% increase on earlier estimates, driven by uprating and improved estimates which show more people are missing out.