This is despite these households facing mounting bills and debts, says charity
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MILLIONS of pounds in benefits are lying unclaimed by households facing mounting bills and debts, says the UK debt and budgeting charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP).
An online benefits calculator which was launched by the charity three months ago has already identified more than £6 million in potential extra annual income for the 21,000 people who used it.
The free calculator was created and developed by CAP, and Turn2us, a national charity providing practical help to people struggling financially.
In 2022, CAP recorded a 20 per cent rise in calls to its free debt helpline. There was also a 60 per cent increase in emergency food shops for those going hungry, and double the amount of emergency energy top-ups for people struggling to heat their homes.
The charity’s director of external affairs, Gareth McNab, said: “Millions of people are starting 2023 facing rapidly rising costs, with huge energy bills during the cold of winter, and static incomes falling in value against record levels of inflation. Right now, it’s absolutely vital for anyone living on a low income to make sure they are receiving all the support they are entitled to, and are aware of the free help available if they are in debt.”
CAP’s latest client survey shows that half of CAP’s clients waited at least one year before seeking help with debt problems. One quarter took more than three years.
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Millions of pounds of benefits unclaimed, says Christians Against Poverty
Millions of pounds of benefits unclaimed, says Christians Against Poverty
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