Nationwide has unveiled a free benefits calculator and telephone support service that could help thousands of households access unclaimed financial assistance. The building society says the initiative has already identified over £1.2 million in potential payments in just four weeks.
For many families and pensioners, this could mean an average of £554 extra per month, according to the lender. The programme is designed to simplify a system that often prevents people from claiming what they are entitled to due to its complexity and lack of awareness.
Billions in Unclaimed Benefits
According to Nationwide, around £23 billion in benefits go unclaimed every year in the UK. The most commonly missed entitlements include Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance, but there are also several other forms of support that many households are unaware of.
Nationwide’s service offers two options: a self-service online calculator or a telephone line where trained staff guide people step-by-step through the process. This dual approach is particularly aimed at helping those who struggle with digital services.
Kathryn Townsend, head of customer vulnerability and accessibility at Nationwide, said that “millions of people across the UK are missing out on vital financial support they are entitled to simply because the system is too complex to understand and access.”
She added that the partnership with benefits specialist Policy in Practice ensures those who are digitally excluded “can get the help they need to increase their income.” In just four weeks, 2,229 households have been informed of their eligibility, equating to over £1.2 million in additional support.
Partnership Aims to Remove Barriers
Deven Ghelani, founder of Policy in Practice, said that “every year £23 billion in benefits and support goes unclaimed because people don’t know what they’re eligible for, or they struggle to access online services.” He stressed that digital exclusion “often goes hand in hand with wider social and economic disadvantage,” which is why the partnership is designed to be inclusive.
The initiative is not limited to Nationwide customers. Anyone in the UK can use the service, either independently online or with assistance over the phone. This inclusive approach, according to Ghelani, “sets a benchmark for responsible banking” by prioritising practical support for those who need it most.
By providing both a simple digital tool and expert human support, Nationwide and Policy in Practice aim to make navigating the benefits system less daunting. For thousands of households, it could mean the difference between missing out and accessing significant financial relief.
