DWP’s £7.5 Billion in Unclaimed Benefits – Check Now If You’re Eligible for Up to £1,000 in Monthly Payments

Published On: June 13, 2025

Universal Credit could be the financial lifeline you didn’t know you qualified for. Every year, a jaw-dropping £7.5 billion in benefits goes unclaimed in the UK, with Universal Credit being the biggest chunk of that pie.

That’s money left sitting on the table while individuals and families struggle with rent, food, and everyday expenses. If you’re earning a low income or juggling part-time work and rising costs, you could be missing out on up to £1,000 a month.

Let’s break down who qualifies, how much you can get, and—most importantly—how to claim what’s rightfully yours.

Basics

Universal Credit is a monthly government payment aimed at people on low income or out of work. It merges six older benefits—like Housing Benefit and Tax Credits—into one streamlined payment.

What’s great? It adjusts to your personal circumstances, offering a single, flexible solution to multiple financial challenges.

Think of it like a financial Swiss Army knife—it handles rent support, childcare costs, and even disability-related expenses, all under one umbrella.

Eligibility

So, who can get it? You may qualify if you:

Are over 18 but under the state pension age
Live in the UK
Have less than £16,000 in savings
Are unemployed or earning below a certain income
Can work or are actively looking for work

Yes, even if you have a job, you might still qualify. Universal Credit isn’t just for those out of work. If your income is low or your expenses are high—like rent or childcare—you might be eligible for support.

Amounts

The amount you get isn’t fixed—it depends on your situation. Here’s a quick look:

Category	Monthly Amount
Single (25+)	£393.45
Couple (both 25+)	£594.04
First Child	£278.77
Additional Child	£237.08 per child
Housing Costs	Varies (depends on rent)
Childcare Support	Up to 85% of eligible costs
Disability Premiums	Added if eligible

So, if you’re a parent, have a disability, or rent your home, your payment can stack up pretty quickly. For some, this pushes total monthly payments close to or even over £1,000.

Barriers

Why are millions missing out?

Lack of Awareness – Many people don’t realize they qualify
Stigma – Some avoid applying due to fear of judgment
Complicated System – The online application can feel overwhelming
Work Misconceptions – People think being employed disqualifies them. It doesn’t

It’s time to drop the myths. If you’re struggling, this money is there to help. There’s no shame in claiming what you’re entitled to.

Process

Applying is easier than you think. Here’s how:

Create a Gov.uk Account – This is your Universal Credit portal
Gather Info – You’ll need your income, savings, rent details, and ID
Fill in the Application – Be honest and thorough
Book a Work Coach Meeting – This is your chance to discuss needs and next steps
Wait for Approval – The DWP will assess your info and inform you
Get Paid Monthly – Payments go directly to your bank account

Simple, right? Just one application opens the door to potentially hundreds—or even thousands—of pounds each month.

Extras

There’s more out there than just Universal Credit. Here are some other benefits to explore:

Carer’s Allowance – If you care for someone, even part-time
Pension Credit – For those near or at pension age
Disability Benefits – Like PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance
Free School Meals – A perk for families on Universal Credit
Housing Benefit – Additional rent support in certain situations

You can layer some of these benefits depending on your circumstances.

Universal Credit isn’t just for the unemployed. It’s a tool for anyone whose income doesn’t stretch far enough. If you’ve ever questioned whether you might qualify, now’s the time to check.

With billions going unclaimed, it’s clear the system is underutilized—not because people don’t need it, but because they don’t know how to claim it. Start today. Your bank account will thank you.