Martin Lewis urges parents and pensioners to check if they’re entitled to benefits – how to see what you could claim

MARTIN Lewis is urging millions of people, including parents and pensioners, to check if they’re entitled to extra money through benefits.

The MoneySavingExpert founder issued the plea on his Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV last night.

Martin Lewis is urging households to check their benefit eligibility

While households aren’t guaranteed money, Martin said it only takes ten minutes to check if you’re eligible.

Benefits he covered include Universal Credit and Pension Credit.

Martin said: “Are you missing out on what you’re entitled to?

“The benefit system is incredibly complicated so I am going to give you a broad brush, big briefing.”

Here are all the benefits covered in the show:

Universal Credit

If you earn under £30,000, Martin says it’s worth checking if you can claim Universal Credit – but again, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be entitled to it.

Universal Credit is replacing six benefits – including Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance – with one monthly payment.

This means that instead of getting lots of little benefits, you only receive one monthly payment – or twice monthly for some people in Scotland.

You should always check your eligibility first before applying, as your current benefits could stop.

For example, Martin warned that if you’re on tax credits and you’ve got a substantial change, your tax credits will stop even if you’re not entitled to Universal Credit.

Martin said: “I am not saying you’re entitled to money… I’m saying that’s the point where it’s worth ten minutes of your time.

“Most people around £30,000 wont get it, some even a little bit higher, if you’ve got disabled children, may get it.”

How much is Universal Credit?

The payment is made up of a standard allowance and then various additional payments that depend on your circumstances.

The standard allowance has been temporarily boosted because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Here’s how much it is currently worth:

Single, under 25 – £342.72 (equivalent to £4,112.64 a year)
Single, 25 or over – £409.89 (equivalent to £4,918.68 a year)
Couple, joint claimants both under 25 – £488.59 (equivalent to £5,863.08 a year)
Couple, joint claimants, one or both 25 or over – £594.04 (equivalent to £7,128.48 a year)

How do I check if I am eligible for Universal Credit?

The quickest way to see if you’re entitled to Universal Credit is to use a benefits calculator.

You are assessed every month and if things change, it might affect how much you are paid for the whole assessment period.

If you start earning more, you’ll get a reduction in payments due to something called the taper rate.

You may be able to get Universal Credit if:

You’re on a low income or out of work
You’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
You’re under State Pension age (or your partner is)
You and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you
You live in the UK

What to do if you have problems claiming Universal Credit

IF you’re experiencing trouble applying for your Universal Credit, or the payments just don’t cover costs, here are your options:

Apply for an advance – Claimants are able to get some cash within five days rather than waiting weeks for their first payment. But it’s a loan which means the repayments will be automatically deducted from your future Universal Credit payout.
Alternative Payment Arrangements – If you’re falling behind on rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an APA which will get your payment sent directly to your landlord. You might also be able to change your payments to get them more frequently, or you can split the payments if you’re part of a couple.
Budgeting Advance – You may be able to get help from the Government for emergency household costs of up to £348 if you’re single, £464 if you’re part of a couple or £812 if you have children. These are only in cases like your cooker breaking down or for help getting a job. You’ll have to repay the advance through your regular Universal Credit payments. You’ll still have to repay the loan, even if you stop claiming for Universal Credit.
Cut your Council Tax – You might be able to get a discount on your Council Tax or be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments if your existing ones aren’t enough to cover your rent.
Foodbanks – If you’re really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one on the Trussell Trust website.

Pension Credit

Martin revealed that over 1.2million people could be missing out on Pension Credit.

Pension credit is a means-tested benefit that helps those on lower incomes by giving them extra money throughout retirement.

To qualify, you must have reached state pension age and have a weekly income below £173.75 as a single applicant, or £265.20 if you’re applying as a couple.

If you’re eligible, you’ll see your income topped up to these amounts.

Crucially, Martin explained how Pension Credit can also help struggling households claim a free TV licence, council tax reduction, and the warm home discount.

How much is Pension Credit Credit?

There are two parts to the benefit and pensioners can be eligible for one or both parts:

Guarantee credit – This tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £173.75 a week if you’re single, and £265.20 a week for couples.
Savings credit – This provides extra money if you’ve saved money towards retirement. You can get an extra £13.97 a week for a single person or £15.62 a week for a married couple.

How do I check if I am eligible for Pension Credit?

You can check if you’re eligible for Pension Credit by using this online government calculator.

Alternatively, you can call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 to discuss your circumstances.

You’ll need to have information such as your current earnings, benefit payments and savings to hand.

Other help – how to boost your state pension

If you care for someone, your partner is a high-earner, or you’re a grandparent looking after a child, then you may be entitled to National Insurance credits.

This, in turn, then boosts how much state pension you’ll be entitled to when you retire, as the amount is based on your National Insurance record.

Here’s what Martin covered:

Carer’s Credit: You could get Carer’s Credit if you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week.

Your income, savings or investments won’t affect eligibility for Carer’s Credit.

Check your eligibility online on the Gov.uk website.

NI boost even if you can’t claim Child Benefit: Non-working parents may be eligible for National Insurance contributions, even if their partner is a high-earner.

Typically, you won’t be able to claim Child Benefit if your partner earns £60,000 or more.

But Martin says it still might be worth applying just for the National Insurance contributions.

You won’t get any extra cash, but it’ll help boost your National Insurance credits while you’re not working. This is because it’s the application that triggers National Insurance credits.

Martin explained: “The non-working parent should apply, and then tick the box that says ‘don’t give me any money’.”

“Don’t not apply – apply and ask for nothing. I know it sounds weird.”

Find out more about Child Benefit here.

NI boost for grandparents: If you look after a child under the age of 12 while their parents work, you may be entitled to receive National Insurance credits.

It effectively works by allowing the working adult to transfer their contributions to the grandparent, or any adult who is looking after their child.

The process is officially known as Adult Childcare Credits – see more information here.