Are you claiming all the financial support you can get?

Your personal circumstances aren't set in stone - a long-term illness could get worse perhaps, or you may lose your job.

But since your benefit payments are based on your circumstances, it’s really important to report any changes as soon as you can.

However, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is warning that many people aren’t doing so.

And as a result, they’re missing out on their full benefit entitlement.

Billions of pounds going unclaimed

The PAC described this as a “growing problem” and one that’s especially hitting people on disability benefits.

This, it said, is because disability benefits claimants don’t always report that their condition has got worse.

Overall, unclaimed benefit entitlement reached around £3.7bn in 2024-25.

That’s up from £3.1bn the year before - and money that could be helping people cover essential costs like food, rent, energy and transport.

The PAC is now urging the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to look at how well it encourages claimants to report changes in their circumstances.
What changes should I report?

You should let the DWP know about anything that could affect your benefit entitlement, such as changes to your:

• health condition
• income
• working hours
• living situation
• relationship status
• caring responsibilities

Even small changes can make a big difference to what you’re entitled to.

What can be done?

You can report changes in your circumstance through the DWP website.

It’s also worth finding out if you’re missing out on any other government support.

Try our benefits calculator or get in touch to see if you’re getting all the help you’re eligible to receive.