Households could receive a £560 monthly boost by using a specialist tool launched by high street building society Nationwide. The organisation has revealed that its innovative calculator assists individuals in determining whether they are entitled to benefits they are not currently claiming.
In statistics published today, it confirmed that 11,000 households have identified £75m in unclaimed benefits – averaging £560 per month since the service launched in June 2025. Nationwide is the first financial provider to make the service available via telephone – tackling digital exclusion.
The ‘Better Off’ calculator, the first to be provided both by telephone and online, enables individuals to discover what benefits they may qualify for. The announcement follows research published yesterday by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute highlighting the obstacles preventing millions from checking their eligibility.
The calculator – accessible to everyone, not exclusively Nationwide customers – was introduced in partnership with social policy data specialists Policy in Practice, at a time when an estimated £24 billion in benefits remains unclaimed annually. By providing both an online platform and a telephone-based service, it guarantees that more individuals, including those unable or preferring not to use digital services, can access the support they require to increase their income – simplifying what can be an intimidating and complex process.
Since its launch last June, more than 18,000 individuals have submitted calculations, with over 11,000 households finding they could be eligible for an average of £560 additional monthly support – amounting to £75.3 million annually in potential assistance.
Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Nationwide, said: “Millions of people across the UK are missing out on vital financial support they are entitled to – simply because the system is too complex to understand and access. That’s why we’re calling on the government to simplify the system, raise public awareness and help challenge the stigma that still prevents too many people from seeking the support they’re owed. By removing these barriers, we can ensure that vital financial help reaches every household that needs it and make the safety net work as it was intended.
“We encourage anyone to take a moment to explore what they may be entitled to, so they don’t miss out on support that could make a meaningful difference.”
Nationwide is urging the government to streamline access to unclaimed benefits. Working alongside Policy in Practice, the UK’s largest building society emphasises that there are three primary obstacles blocking benefit access that ministers must tackle. These are:
- Awareness: many people are unaware they are eligible.
- Complexity: navigating forms, criteria, multiple applications can be daunting and time consuming.
- Stigma: negative perceptions persist, even though 40 per cent of benefit payments go to people in work.
What makes you eligible for benefits?
Being eligible to claim for benefits is not just for people who can’t work. Many people assume they are not eligible, leaving £24 billion in benefits going unclaimed in the UK every year. There are lots of support payments and benefits that could help you be better off.
You might be eligible for benefits if you:
- or your partner are out of work
- are renting your home
- have children
- have a disability or care for someone who has a disability
- are receiving the state pension
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