Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNew research by Policy in Practice reveals that over £24 billion in benefits will go unclaimed in the UK during 2025-2026. This equates to an average of £3,428 per year for each of the seven million households estimated to be missing out on vital support. Universal Credit accounts for nearly half of the unclaimed funds at £11.1 billion, with Council Tax Support and Carer's Allowance also making up significant portions. The report attributes the high level of unclaimed benefits to a lack of public awareness, the complex nature of the welfare system, and the social stigma associated with seeking support. Experts are calling for a more accessible and streamlined social security system, while a government spokesperson highlighted efforts to promote benefits and support people into employment. In fullUnclaimed benefits reach new high with households missing out on £24 billionThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Experts demand welfare reform as billions in benefits go unclaimed
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNew research by Policy in Practice reveals that over £24 billion in benefits will go unclaimed in the UK during 2025-2026. This equates to an average of £3,428 per year for each of the seven million households estimated to be missing out on vital support. Universal Credit accounts for nearly half of the unclaimed funds at £11.1 billion, with Council Tax Support and Carer's Allowance also making up significant portions. The report attributes the high level of unclaimed benefits to a lack of public awareness, the complex nature of the welfare system, and the social stigma associated with seeking support. Experts are calling for a more accessible and streamlined social security system, while a government spokesperson highlighted efforts to promote benefits and support people into employment. In fullUnclaimed benefits reach new high with households missing out on £24 billionThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
