UK households missing out on £19bn a year in unclaimed welfare benefits

Complexity of system and perception of government handouts as shameful' stopping people from accessing much-needed support

Millions of UK households are collectively missing out on at least 19bn a year in unclaimed welfare benefits, at a time when many are forced to use food banks or run up debt as they struggle with rising living costs, according to new estimates.

Lower income households are failing to claim benefits and other cash support for which they are eligible, according to a study by the consultancy Policy in Practice. Some families could be forgoing as much as 4,000 a year.