Two people sitting at a table with paperwork potentially reviewing unclaimed benefits, entitlement, and energy or utility bills

Could you be missing out on £2,700 a year?

Winter bills are landing and Christmas is coming. Take ten minutes with our free calculator to check you’re getting all the help you’re entitled to.

18 November, 2024

Money skills & financial tips

Could you be missing out on unclaimed benefits? With energy bills rising and the cost of living hitting hard, many households miss out on benefits they’re actually entitled to claim.

Here’s something that might surprise you: research by Policy in Practice shows that UK households lose an average of £2,700 a year because they don’t claim available benefits and financial support. You might be missing out on unclaimed benefits, even if you’re working. It’s worth checking what you might qualify for.

Every year, billions in benefits and support go unclaimed. Sometimes people don’t know certain benefits exist. Other times they find the application process too complicated or assume they won’t qualify. Could you be missing out on unclaimed benefits due to these assumptions? Even small amounts can make a real difference to household budgets, especially when utility and energy bills keep rising.

You may be entitled to more than you think – even if your circumstances have recently changed.

Free benefits calculator – find your unclaimed benefits yourself

Our free benefits calculator takes about 10–20 minutes and helps you work out what you can claim. It doesn’t just identify benefits – it also locates social tariffs for phone, broadband, and energy bills, as well as grants and support schemes in your local area.

The calculator shows exactly where your money goes each month and creates a clear action plan so you can be better off. Many of our members discover new support options, even when they thought they were already claiming everything available.

Use the Better Off calculator on our website to check your possible entitlement to unclaimed benefits.

Need a helping hand? Book a phone appointment for support and guidance

If you’d rather talk to someone, we currently offer a limited number of one-to-one phone appointments for support and guidance.

Whether you use the calculator or book an appointment, we’ll listen without judgment and help you identify what financial support, benefits, and discounts you may be entitled to. We keep your details completely confidential, never ask for PINs or passwords, and never try to sell anything.

If you’re dealing with bills, debt, or energy costs, we’ll explore which benefits or schemes could ease the pressure.  Our team can help you find out if you could be missing out on any unclaimed benefits.

If you need specialist financial advice or help with applications, we’ll connect you with trusted organisations like Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848) or StepChange Debt Charity (0800 138 1111).

Why does a credit union offer this support?

At London Mutual Credit Union, we know that members benefit from personal appointments. We help you understand how to use the calculator, talk through your situation, and direct you towards reliable support when specialist help might make a difference.

These appointments provide general guidance only. We don’t give specific financial advice or tell you which benefits to claim, but we help you understand your choices and connect you with the right organisations when needed.

To request an appointment, complete the Financial Difficulty form on our website so we know a bit about your situation before we speak. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to expect from us

Our member’s financial wellbeing goes beyond loans and savings. If you qualify for benefits or support that can ease financial pressure, claiming them strengthens your ability to manage your budget, build savings, and avoid debt.

We don’t claim to replace benefits experts or specialist advice services. But we can provide a clear starting point and connect you with the right support when you need it. It’s part of our community approach to banking – we’re here for more than just financial products.

Take the first step toward claiming your unclaimed benefits

With bills rising and Christmas approaching, it helps to understand your situation rather than worry about problems you haven’t explored. The benefits calculator is available anytime. While our phone appointments can’t solve every issue, we’ll do everything we can to help you understand your options and claim the benefits you’re entitled to.

So why not make a cuppa, set aside 15 minutes, and see what the calculator reveals? Could you be missing out on unclaimed benefits? Even one new benefit or discount could put money back in your pocket and make December a little easier.

Good to know

The contents of this article are intended for informational purposes only, and do not constitute financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional for independent advice if you are unsure about whether a financial product or strategy is suitable for you.

Ready to check what support you might be missing?

Visit our Better Off calculator or request a phone appointment through our website.
Use the Calculator

London Mutual Credit Union

Serving over 33,000 members across the London Boroughs of Southwark, Lambeth, Westminster and Camden, London Mutual is one of the UK's largest credit unions. Founded in 1982, London Mutual serves members across local government, the armed forces, healthcare and education.
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