- Nationwide has launched a new free phone line to assist people across the UK in claiming benefits they are entitled to.
- The service is available to everyone, not just Nationwide customers, marking a first among financial providers.
- It aims to help navigate the "daunting and confusing" process of claiming an estimated £23 billion in benefits that go unclaimed annually.
- The initiative follows the launch of a benefits calculator, which has already helped over 2,000 households claim a collective £1.2 million.
- Nationwide is also urging the government to simplify access to unclaimed benefits, citing lack of awareness, difficulty with forms, and perceived stigma as key barriers.
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