There has always been a stigma attached to government benefits, simply because they are seen by many to be handouts for the poor. This way of thinking has meant that over the years millions of people have missed out on additional money and unfortunately millions of people still are. The government doesn’t advertise the fact that many allowances and benefits go unclaimed and a lot of people don’t like to ask so they end up losing out on money that they are entitled to.

So, it is up to you, as an individual, to check what you’re entitled to and to claim it as quickly as you can. Forget about stigma and take what you can while it’s on offer…

What’s on Offer?

There are numerous allowances and benefits available for all types of people and you don’t have to financially destitute to apply for most. For example, very few people know about Working Tax Credits; the benefit that can earn you an extra £1600 per year if you’re on a low income. Of course the government doesn’t make a point of contacting people that they think may benefit and so it’s down to the individuals to find out about the credits and to apply.

But if you don’t know these allowances and benefits exist how are you going to know to apply? This is the main argument that people have and it’s a good one. Below you’ll find a list of just a few of the allowances and benefits that are available to all so you can see if you think you may be entitled to them:

• Working tax credits for people in employment but with an income of below £16,000 per year.
• Child tax credits for working families with at least one child in the house.
• Pension credits for pensioners who have no other income except their state pension.
• Council tax and housing benefit for people who claim other benefits and are unemployed or on low income.
• Child benefits for people with at least one child and are unemployed or on low income.
• Carers allowance for people who care full time for an elderly, sick or disabled relative.
• Income support for people who work less than 16 hours per week.
• Job Seeker’s allowance for unemployed people actively looking for work.
• Support for mortgage interest for people who have been made redundant and are struggling to pay their mortgage.
• Education Maintenance Allowance for 16-19 year olds who decide to stay in full time education after their GCSEs.

Of course, not everyone is entitled to everything but it’s probable that you can claim at least one of the above, especially if you do have a low income or are unemployed or if you’re a pensioner. A quick visit to the CAB can help you to find allowances and benefits that you never knew existed and these can often furnish you with at least a few hundred pounds extra each month. Alternatively you can visit entitledto.co.uk and do the check there in five minutes. Don’t let your allowances and benefits remain unclaimed, because after all they are there for a reason.