Benefits you could be missing out on as billions goes unclaimed – including Council Tax and water bill help

The rising cost of living is squeezing many household budgets to the brink.

From energy bills to food, prices are quickly rising and it can feel harder to make ends meet.

However, millions of households are missing out on financial support that could help because they don't realise what they are entitled to claim.

In fact, billions of pounds worth of income-related benefits and social tariffs go unclaimed, according to research by data organisation Policy in Practice.

People who may desperately need help are failing to claim free money.

Here is how to make sure you get what you are entitled to...

Which benefits are people missing out on?

Universal Credit is one of the biggest areas of unclaimed benefit, according to research from last year by Policy in Practice.

This crucial benefit can help people who are out of work, on a low income or unable to work because of their circumstances.

However, you may also be able to claim Universal Credit if you are working.

The exact amount you receive and whether you qualify depends on a range of factors and your circumstances, including how much you earn and if you have children.

Even if you have previously not qualified, it's worth checking again when your circumstances change.

For example, if your rent has increased or you have started paying for childcare or your health has affected your ability to work.

Policy in Practice estimated around £11bn goes unclaimed in Universal Credit.

Council Tax Support

Council Tax is an expensive bill that can be a struggle to pay for low income households.

Help is available through Council Tax Reduction, which helps eligible households reduce their council tax bill.

The scheme is run by each local council, so the exact rules and amount of support will vary depending on where you live.

Often, you will need to show that you are on a low income and receiving certain benefits or unemployed.

You normally need to apply through your local authority to get the reduction.

In some cases, the reduction can be 100% of the bill meaning that it completely cancels out what you need to pay.

Plenty of people are failing to tap into this real area of support with an estimated £3billion worth going unclaimed.

If you are not sure, take a few minutes to check in with your council to see if you could qualify.

Carer’s Allowance

If you are caring for someone with a disability or health condition, you could be claiming Carer's Allowance.

You will need to care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and the person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit.

Eligibility for the benefit also depends on how much you earn but do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.

Carer’s Allowance can affect other benefits, including the benefits received by the person you care for, so it is important to check the wider impact before applying.

However, it's estimated around £2bn in support is going unclaimed.

Pension Credit

Pension Credit is designed to top up the income of people over State Pension age.

However, it importantly can unlock lots of additional help, such as support with housing costs, Council Tax and some NHS costs.

You may qualify even if you own your home or have some savings. The amount depends on your income and circumstances.

Help with broadband bills

Some households on a low income or receiving certain benefits may qualify for a cheaper broadband or phone package.

These are known as social tariffs. They are usually cheaper than standard deals and may have lower prices, no annual price increases or no fixed-term contract.

Eligibility varies between providers, but social tariffs are commonly available to people receiving benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.

Policy in Practice says broadband social tariffs account for one of the largest numbers of missed claims in its analysis.

If you think you could qualify, contact your broadband provider and ask whether it offers a social tariff. You may need to provide evidence of your benefit entitlement.

Help with water bills

Water companies offer support schemes for some households on low incomes.

You could get your bill reduced or capped, as well as help with water debt.

If you use more water because of a medical condition or a large household, support is available through the WaterSure scheme.

Why do people fail to claim benefits?

Some people wrongly assume they will not be eligible for benefits because they are working, have savings or already receive another benefit.

However, eligibility can depend on several factors, and even a small benefit payment may provide access to other help.

In other cases, the application process can be perceived as too complicated or hard to identify. A household may need to apply separately to the Department for Work and Pensions, its local council, its water company and its broadband provider.

Some people even feel embarrassed about claiming benefits or believe support is only intended for people who are out of work.

How to check if you are missing out on benefits

The easiest way and first port of call to check your entitlement is to use an online benefits calculator.

You'll need to give some information about your circumstances such as earnings, rent, and savings so it can be worth gathering the information first - or you can come back to the calculator if you realise you need more information.

Try the Policy in Practice online Better Off calculator.

Or charity Turn2Us also has an online calculator.