In the UK, many households struggle with rising living costs, and unfortunately, millions of pounds in government benefits go unclaimed every year. But what if there was a way to tap into that unclaimed support? Nationwide Building Society has just launched an initiative that could help you claim up to £550 per month in unclaimed government benefits. What’s even better? You don’t need to be a Nationwide customer to take advantage of this service.
This initiative, called the Better Off Calculator, helps you determine whether you qualify for essential benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Housing Benefit. With over £23 billion in unclaimed benefits across the UK, this new tool can ensure that you don’t miss out on the financial support you deserve.
Unlock £550 a Month in Benefits
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Better Off Calculator by Nationwide |
| Average Monthly Benefit | £554 per household |
| Total Identified Support | Over £1.2 million in the first four weeks |
| Eligibility | Open to all UK residents, no Nationwide membership required |
| Access | Available online and through a dedicated phoneline |
| Partnership | In partnership with Policy in Practice |
| Official Website | Nationwide Media Centre |
Nationwide’s Better Off Calculator is a valuable resource for anyone in the UK looking to unlock unclaimed benefits. Whether you’re a student, a working parent, or someone struggling with rent payments, this tool can help you access much-needed financial support. With over £23 billion in unclaimed benefits, you might be missing out on the extra support you deserve.
By taking a few simple steps, you could increase your household income by up to £550 a month. Don’t wait—visit the Nationwide website today, use the calculator, and start claiming the benefits you’re entitled to.
As the cost of living continues to climb, tools like this could make all the difference for households needing financial support. Whether you’re a student, a single parent, or someone who’s recently found themselves unemployed, this tool could help unlock valuable financial support.
Why So Many People Miss Out on Benefits
You might wonder, with so many benefits available, why are they left unclaimed? According to recent reports, the UK government estimates that over £23 billion worth of benefits remain unclaimed each year. Part of the reason for this is that many people simply aren’t aware of the support they’re eligible for. Others might feel too overwhelmed to navigate the complex benefit systems, especially when they are already struggling financially.
Nationwide’s Better Off Calculator is designed to make that process easier, giving everyone the opportunity to see what benefits they qualify for without the usual confusion.
What Is the Better Off Calculator?
The Better Off Calculator is a free tool provided by Nationwide, in partnership with Policy in Practice, that helps individuals and households discover which government benefits they may be entitled to. From Universal Credit to Pension Credit and Housing Benefit, the calculator ensures that you know exactly what you qualify for based on your income, household size, and living situation.
Real-Life Example
Take Sarah, a single mother with two children. Before she found out about the Better Off Calculator, she didn’t think she qualified for any additional benefits. After using the tool, she learned that she was eligible for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit, which added over £500 to her monthly income. This extra support made a huge difference in helping her cover rent, utilities, and other essential expenses.
How Can You Use the Better Off Calculator?
Step 1: Visit the Website
The first step is to head to Nationwide’s official website. Look for the Better Off Calculator link, and click on it to get started.
Step 2: Answer a Few Questions
You’ll be asked to fill in details about your household’s income, how many people live with you, and whether you’re receiving any government support already. This information is needed to assess your eligibility for various benefits.
Step 3: Review Your Results
Once the questions are answered, the calculator will let you know if you’re eligible for any benefits. It will provide an estimate of how much extra money you could receive each month.
Step 4: Apply for Benefits
The calculator will guide you to official government websites where you can apply for the benefits you qualify for. You can do this online, and the process is often quicker than you might think.
Step 5: Follow Up
After applying, you will hear from the relevant government departments. Keep track of any letters or emails they send, as these will inform you of the next steps.
Common Benefits You Could Qualify For
Universal Credit (UC)
Universal Credit is designed to help those who are working part-time or unemployed. If you’re a single parent, a student, or facing a sudden loss of income, you could be eligible for Universal Credit. This benefit is paid monthly and can make a real difference.
Pension Credit
For those over the age of 66, Pension Credit is a lifeline. It ensures that you don’t have to live below the poverty line. Pension Credit is made up of Guarantee Credit (which tops up your income to a minimum level) and Savings Credit (for people who have saved a little for retirement).
Housing Benefit
If you’re renting a property and struggling with rent payments, you may qualify for Housing Benefit. This benefit can help cover all or part of your rent.
By using the Better Off Calculator, you’ll have a clear understanding of which benefits could help reduce your financial stress.
Understanding Key UK Benefits
Here’s a quick look at two of the most common UK benefits and how they compare:
| Feature | Universal Credit (UC) | Personal Independence Payment (PIP) |
| Purpose | Merges several older benefits into one, for people on low income or out of work. Helps with living costs. | Helps with extra costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. |
| Eligibility | Income and savings based. For those 18 (with exceptions for 16-17) to State Pension age. | Not income or savings based. For those 16 to State Pension age. |
| Components | Standard allowance, housing costs, children, disability, carer elements. | Daily Living component (help with everyday tasks), Mobility component (help with getting around). |
| How to Claim | Primarily online via Gov.uk, or by phone. | Primarily by phone, followed by a detailed “How your disability affects you” form. |
Challenges and Pitfalls to Avoid
While the process is simple, there are a few common mistakes people make when applying for benefits:
- Incorrect Information: Always ensure that the details you provide are accurate. Incorrect information can lead to delays or denial of benefits.
- Not Following Up: After submitting your application, don’t forget to check your emails or post for updates. Missing deadlines or requests for additional information can delay the process.
- Overlooking Other Support: You might not realize that some support is available outside of what’s mentioned by the calculator. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or look for additional resources once you’ve used the tool.
FAQs
1. Do I need to be a Nationwide customer to use the Better Off Calculator?
No, the service is open to all UK residents, and you do not need to be a Nationwide member.
2. How much can I expect to receive in benefits?
On average, users of the Better Off Calculator are identified as eligible for £554 per month. However, this varies based on your unique situation.
3. Is the service really free?
Yes, both the calculator and the phoneline support are completely free of charge.
4. What if I don’t have internet access?
No problem! You can still use the phoneline to speak with an advisor who will guide you through the process.
5. How quickly will I receive my benefits?
The timeline for receiving benefits varies, but after your application is processed, you should start seeing support within a few weeks.
