The UK government is facing renewed calls to improve how people access welfare payments, as policymakers highlight gaps in the current system. At the center of the discussion is a growing concern that billions in benefits remain unclaimed each year.
Efforts to address financial exclusion have come under scrutiny during recent Treasury Committee discussions, where advocates argued that more targeted support could help vulnerable individuals receive the assistance they are already entitled to.
Unclaimed Benefits and Gaps in Financial Support
A key issue raised during the session was the scale of unclaimed benefits. According to Policy in Practice, around £24 billion in welfare support goes unclaimed annually, a figure cited during the committee’s review of the government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy. This policy aims to improve financial awareness and engagement, yet some experts believe it falls short in practical support.
Helen Undy, chief executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, told MPs that the strategy lacks a clear plan to expand access to what is known as “income maximisation support.” This type of assistance helps individuals identify and claim the full range of benefits they are eligible for. According to Undy, such support is especially important for people facing complex challenges, including mental health conditions.
She noted that access to personalized guidance, either face-to-face or by phone, can make a significant difference. According to her testimony, individuals in vulnerable situations are more likely to successfully claim benefits when they receive direct, tailored advice rather than relying solely on digital tools or general information.
The discussion suggests that while awareness of available benefits may be improving, practical barriers still prevent many from claiming them. Advocates argue that without more structured support systems, those most in need may continue to miss out on financial assistance.
Reviewing Entitlements and State Pension Eligibility
Alongside broader policy concerns, individuals are being encouraged to review their own benefit entitlements. A range of support payments is available through the Department for Work and Pensions, including Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment for working-age individuals, as well as Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance for those above state pension age.
Tools such as online benefit calculators can help people determine whether they qualify for additional support. According to guidance referenced in the discussion, platforms like Turn2us provide a way for users to assess their eligibility based on personal circumstances.
State pension entitlement is another area highlighted for review. The full new state pension currently stands at £241.30 per week, following a 4.8 percent increase applied in April under the triple lock mechanism. Eligibility depends on National Insurance contributions, with around 35 qualifying years typically required to receive the full amount.
According to official guidance, individuals can check their projected state pension through a government forecast tool, which also indicates whether making voluntary National Insurance contributions could increase their payments. Still, the same guidance stresses that purchasing additional contributions does not always lead to higher entitlement, and should be considered carefully.
These developments reflect a broader focus on ensuring that existing systems deliver intended support. While policy discussions continue, the emphasis remains on helping individuals access what is already available to them.
