A new study from Policy in Practice reveals that more than 7 million households are failing to claim £24 billion in available benefits, encompassing Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Carer's Allowance. Nevertheless, the research also suggests that circumstances are shifting, with increasing numbers accessing the financial assistance to which they're entitled.

Policy in Practice noted that this year's data demonstrates uptake is advancing in certain sectors, particularly for Pension Credit, though the broader situation remains 'challenging'. Government statistics reveal that uptake has increased from 63 per cent to 65 per cent, yet this doesn't fully capture the complete effect of recent Winter Fuel Payment eligibility modifications, reports the Daily Record.

The Policy in Practice study stated: "The system remains fragmented and too many people struggle to access the support they are eligible for. More than £24 billion is still going unclaimed each year, and that does not include disability support such as Personal Independence Payment, or discretionary schemes like the new Crisis and Resilience Fund."

The research discovered:

Addressing the study's conclusions, Claire Atchia McMaster, Director of income and external affairs at Turn2us, commented: "At Turn2us, we hear from people every day who feel like they're being locked out of a system that should be supporting them. This new research exposes the consequences of a complex social security system that demoralises people and treats them like children when they try to access support.

"It's clear that for the government to meet its goals of a more effective and sustainable social security system, their reforms need to prioritise rebuilding trust in DWP. We have seen positive movement, with the government committing to prioritise lived experience as part of the Timms Review, but we need them to go further. We want to see the government move from a system grounded in suspicion and control, to one that treats people with dignity and respect."

Later this month, Turn2us will be publishing new research on the impact of stigma in the system, along with our recommendations for addressing it.

Many families could be entitled to a financial boost through overlooked benefits or Council Tax reductions, and dedicating just 10 minutes this weekend to using a free, confidential benefits calculator might alleviate monetary strain heading into summer. Those on modest incomes might qualify for savings of up to £850 annually via the Council Tax Reduction scheme, which is exclusively available north of the border.

Elderly people on a low income could be eligible for an income boost, averaging £4,300, through Pension Credit. According to the latest data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), 760,000 people qualify for this means-tested benefit but are not claiming it. Some pensioners mistakenly believe that having savings or owning their home disqualifies them from the means-tested benefit. However, even an award of just £1 per week can unlock additional support.

Elderly people, or their friends and family, can swiftly verify their eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here. Alternatively, pensioners can directly contact the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim on 0800 99 1234.

Expert assistance and advice is also available from:

More information about claiming Pension Credit can be found on GOV.UK here.

People under State Pension age with health conditions might qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). A successful claim could be worth between £29.20 and £187.45, equating to £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period.

People over State Pension age with health conditions might be eligible for Attendance Allowance. A successful claim could be worth either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, equating to £295.60 or £441.60 every four-week pay period. An online benefits calculator isn't a magic solution to financial woes, but it can provide a fairly accurate estimate of how much you could be eligible to claim - the onus is on you to actually apply.

There's a broad spectrum of benefits and payments you should look into.

You should investigate if:

Online benefit calculators swiftly determine if you're missing out on any benefits and best of all, they're completely free, independent and confidential to use - so there's nothing to lose.

In just a few moments, you could discover how much extra support you may be able to claim, simply by inputting details about yourself, your residential status, your employment status and any savings you have.

You can utilise an independent benefits calculator to find out:

The benefits calculators below offer information on income-related benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer's Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be impacted if you commence work or alter your working hours.

Assemble the following information before you start and the entire process should only take about 10 minutes:

Who is eligible as millions miss out on DWP cash - Daily Star