Benefits calculator leads to £43m of unclaimed money being identified
New figures show that it was used by 56,000 people in the past 12 months, with over £43m of unclaimed money identified. The tool, available at www.advice.scot, is designed to reduce financial hardship by ensuring people are claiming all the support they are entitled to, as around half a million Scots do not. It takes users through a series of simple and easy-to-answer questions about their personal circumstances and calculates what – if any – benefits they may be able to claim.
Benefits checked by the tool include Universal Credit, the Scottish Child Payment, Council Tax Reduction, Pension Credit, the Job Start Payment, the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, and Universal Credit, as well as many others. Advice Direct Scotland has launched a new campaign which is designed to highlight all the assistance available, and to ensure people know what they are entitled to. Expert advisers can give information and help applicants complete forms if they have queries or concerns.
The charity also offers free and practical advice on a range of issues including debt and money problems, housing, understanding energy bills, and consumer rights.
A spokesperson from Advice Direct Scotland has said: “With 56,000 checks uncovering over £43 million in unclaimed money in the last year, we would encourage more Scots to ensure they are receiving everything they are entitled to.”