Are you missing out on BENEFITS?

Here's how to find out what you are eligible for

- CAROLINE BLOOR

A new report by Policy in Practice shows the total pot of unclaimed benefits in the UK is now at almost £23 billion a year, while 8.4 million people could be missing out on an average of £2,700 per year.

Despite nearly two million older people living in poverty, £2.8 billion of Pension Credit and pensioner Housing Benefit alone went unclaimed in a single year. Some people may just choose not to claim it, but Caroline Abrahams CBE, charity director of Age UK, says that 'Many may not know what is available, assume they are not entitled to help, are put off by the claim process, or are reluctant to admit that they need extra help'.

You can do an eligibility check using a free online calculator such as Turn2Us, entitled to or Better Off Calculator. Or call Age UK's advice line on 0800 678 1602, or Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848.