Unclaimed benfits in the UK in 2025-26 - A calculator to help you know what you can claim

14th September 2025

A recent report from Policy in Practice (September 2025) estimates that approximately £24.1 billion in benefits and social tariffs will go unclaimed in the UK in 2025-26, an increase from previous years.

The largest amounts are unclaimed Universal Credit (£11.1bn), Council Tax Support (£3.3bn), and Carer's Allowance (£2.4bn).

This trend is driven by factors like the complexity of the benefits system, with anti-poverty charity Turn2us highlighting that people find accessing benefits complicated and emotionally draining, leading to millions missing out on vital support.

Increasing Amounts:
The estimated total of unclaimed benefits has risen to £24.1 billion for 2025-26.

Top Unclaimed Benefits:
The highest values are in Universal Credit, Council Tax Support, Carer's Allowance, and Pension Credit.

Significant Impact:
This leaves millions of households without the necessary financial support during the cost of living crisis.

Causes:
The complexity of the benefits system and the lack of clear information contribute to people not claiming what they are entitled to.

How to Get Support
Benefit Calculators:
Charities like Turn2us and Policy in Practice provide online benefit calculators to help people check their eligibility for support.

The Better Off Calculator
Check your personal situation HERE

Government Resources:
For information on unclaimed pensions or specific benefits, users can use the Government Tracing Service for pensions or check the official GOV.UK website for details on income-related benefits.

Local Initiatives:
For residents in Northern Ireland, nidirect provides campaign information on "Make the Call" to help people claim all entitled benefits, supports, and services.

The Better Off Calculator
Check your personal situation HERE

Source - https://policyinpractice.co.uk/