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Nicolas Parsons Reveals Why £20 Billion of Benefits Go Unclaimed Each Year

Results of a shock new investigation published today reveal that thousands of people in the UK are missing out on benefits they are entitled too
Lifestyle - 16 April 2012   Download IconContent available for download:  
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A brand new investigation has revealed nearly two thirds of low earners in the UK are missing out on benefits because they don’t know they’re entitled to claim, or they don’t feel ‘misfortunate’ enough to deserve extra money: in fact, it uncovers that they could be claiming the equivalent of an average family’s weekly spend on rent, fuel and power bills.

Almost three and a half thousand pounds every year (over £60 a week) has been revealed as the average amount that people, who were previously unaware they were entitled to anything, are now claiming, after using charitable service Turn2us.

However, 62% of those most in need of financial help are still not seeking support and the main reason it seems is a lack of awareness, with over half saying they have never heard of Universal Credit which is set to replace most means-tested benefits from 2013, and a third disassociating themselves with stereotyped perceptions of ‘benefit seekers’ as ‘misfortunate people’ - not realising that you might be entitled to claim even if you’re working.

. Introduction:

If you could be claiming enough money each week to pay for the rent, fuel and power bills of an average family, surely you wouldn’t think twice about snapping it up? Well, shocking results from an investigation out today have revealed that nearly two thirds of those most in need of financial help are still not seeking support - with over half saying they have never heard of Universal Credit, which is set to replace most means-tested benefit from 2013.

So is a lack of awareness the main reason people aren’t claiming and how can people be expected to make the most of their income if they don’t know what benefits they are entitled to?

Joining us to discuss this further is Rob Tolan, who is Head of Policy and Research at Turn2us, and Nicholas Parsons, actor, broadcaster and ambassador of the charity.