Latest UK government take up surveys for means tested benefit in 2014-2015 suggest around £13 billion goes unclaimed in Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance (Income-Related), Pension Credit, Housing Benefit (including Local Housing Allowance), and Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based). This figure would be bigger if Council Tax Support and UC was included.

This is an astonishingly high figure compared to the regularly cited figure of just over £1billion in Welfare Benefits lost through fraud.

Some reasons for not claiming are-
● difficulty in filling out form or meeting evidence requirements
● poor accessibility due to lack of English or disability
● stigma
● the complexity of the system- not knowing what, how and when to claim

Info from Social Welfare Training

NB If you need help making a benefits claim, contact our helpline. We can help you find information and advisors to guide you in making the most effective claim possible. WAMES does not, unfortunately, have welfare advisors working or volunteering for us.