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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
World
Linda Howard & Alexander Smail

Martin Lewis urges seven million people to do ten minute benefits check

Martin Lewis has urged seven million people throughout the UK to ensure that that are receiving all of the financial help they are eligible for from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The financial expert said that a quick check using an online tool can tell you if you are entitled to support.

As reported by the Daily Record, the soaring cost of living is continuing to push more families towards poverty, with rising food and fuel prices sending inflation to a 30-year high.

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Following warnings that the average 54% hike in energy bills that was applied to around 22 million households at the start of April is not yet accounted for, the situation is expected to worsen throughout the year.

Other costs are also expected to rise throughout the year, even though many household budgets have already been stretched as far as they can go.

Martin Lewis has suggested a way to get extra support to those that are struggling.

On Wednesday, he took to Twitter to tell households with an income of under £30,000 to do a 10-minute check online to see if they are missing out on vital support.

The MoneySavingExpert.com founder tweeted: “Are you one of 7m not getting all the benefits help you're entitled to?

“With cost of living crisis biting, if you've family income under £30,000 it is worth a 10 minute check-up; https://moneysavingexpert.com/family/benefits-check/ (I'm not saying you will get, just its worth a check).”

The MoneySavingExpert.com tool can be found here, though there are other free and independent calculators listed below.

What is an online benefits calculator?

These free and confidential tools allow users to quickly check if they are missing out on any benefits.

Within minutes, after inputting personal details such as working status and savings, you will be able to see how much you may be due in financial aid.

You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out:

  • What benefits you could get
  • How to claim
  • How your benefits will be affected if you start work

Where to find help

Advice Direct Scotland

This online tool is the first to fully integrate devolved benefits, including the Scottish Child Payment.

It provides a free and impartial assessment of entitlement to a range of benefits such as Universal Credit, crisis grants and support payments.

Turn2us

Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.

Policy in Practice

Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, how these are calculated and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours.

entitledto

Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work.

What you will need

You will need accurate information about your:

  • Savings

  • Income, including your partner’s

  • Existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)

  • Outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)

  • Latest Council Tax bill

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