Martin Lewis says 21 million people could be owed money by DWP - how to check if you're one of them

Martin Lewis, the personal finance expert, has revealed that up to 21 million people could be owed money by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). He suggests that approximately one in three individuals might discover they are eligible to claim.

In his weekly Money Saving Expert email newsletter, Martin urged everyone to check if they can claim. Speaking on X, he stated: "There are up to 21 million unclaimed benefits. Don't assume 'it's not me' (a few benefits aren't means tested). From Universal Credit to water bill support, council tax help to attendance allowance, it's worth a few mins to scan if you're entitled to owt."

The MSE newsletter reads: "Who's likely missing out? Households with lower incomes, up to roughly £35,000/yr, though if you've kids, high childcare costs and rent, it could be £60,000. If you've checked before, check the Benefits Calc again as Universal Credit rates have gone up."

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Among the benefits not being claimed, 1.1 million people are missing out on Attendance Allowance worth almost £4,000 a year at least. Three million are failing to claim £1,000 a year in Council Tax support and 500,000 are not claiming another £4,000 a year in Carers Allowance. An additional 850,000 people could claim Pension Credit worth £3,900 and 250,000 are missing out on Housing Benefit worth £5,000 a year.

Furthermore, 250,000 do not claim the Free School Meals they are entitled to, worth £650 a year. There is a benefits calculator on the MSE website which can tell you what you are entitled to and how to claim.

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