MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert has urged anyone on a low income to do a quick 10-minute check to get extra cash.
Writing in the weekly newsletter, the consumer champion revealed the easy way Brits can work out if they can get any benefits.
Martin Lewis’ MSE has revealed a simple 10-minute check to see if you can get cashITV
He pointed out that with wages not rising in line with inflation, more people may now be finding they now qualify for benefits.
It comes as Universal Credit and other benefits have gone up this week by 10.1%, in a bid to help struggling households.
Martin also said that those who do find they now qualify for benefits, could also be eligible for the second and third instalments of the new cost of living payments.
The quick 10-minute check involves using the MoneySavingExpert (MSE) Benefits Calculator.
Millions of households are eligible for potentially thousands of pounds a year in benefits and aren’t claiming.
The calculator was built for MSE by benefits specialists EntitledTo.
You can use the tool to find out whether you’re in line for help from the government.
Recently, one Martin Lewis fan revealed how she managed to gain herself an extra £2,200 a month by using the calculator.
You can find the tool by going to MoneySavingExpert.com or EntitledTo’s website.
You’ll need some personal details to hand though, including information on savings, income, pensions and any benefits you are already on.
It’s important to bear in mind the calculator isn’t 100% accurate, although it will give you a rough idea of what you could get.
Who can get benefits?
You can apply for benefits if you’re out of work, but also if you’re employed.
Around 40% of people on Universal Credit are in work.
But eligibility criteria for all the different types can be complex.
That’s why using benefits calculators can be really handy, as they do most of the work for you.
There are various different benefits you can apply for if you live in the UK.
They’re roughly split into four groups: families, work, low-income and health/elderly.
If you need help supporting a family, if you’re a parent say, you can get:
child benefitchild tax creditsmaternity/paternity or adoption paymarriage allowancematernity grantsmaternity allowancewidowed parent’s allowanceScottish child payment
If you’re in work or you’re looking for work you can get working tax credit or jobseeker’s allowance.
If you’re on a low income you can get:
income supportincome-based jobseeker’s allowanceincome-based employment and support allowancepension credithousing benefitcouncil tax reductionfree school mealssupport for mortgage interestbudgeting loans and advancesfuneral paymentscouncil support schemescold weather payments
If you are ill, disabled or elderly and need help, you can get:
attendance allowancepersonal independence paymentcarer’s allowancenew-style employment and support allowancesick paystate pensionbereavement support paymentwinter fuel payments
For more information on when the second and third instalments of the cost of living payments will be made, see our story.
Plus, here are the seven loopholes that could stop people from getting £301 cash coming within weeks.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]