People across the UK could be missing out on thousands of pounds in financial support simply because they do not realise they are eligible to claim it.
Almost 200,000 pensioners in Scotland alone are missing out on benefits worth an estimated £346 million a year, according to research from Independent Age. The charity found older Scots are missing out on an average of £2,199 a year in social security payments.
The figures include an estimated £143 million in Pension Credit, £139 million in Housing Benefit and £64 million in Council Tax Reduction.
Independent Age said that if take-up was increased to 100%, around 30,000 older people could be lifted out of poverty.
But pensioners are not the only people who could be missing out.
Personal finance expert Joe Lytwyn, of thimbl.com, has highlighted 10 benefits and support schemes people may want to check their eligibility for.
He said eligibility can depend on factors including income, savings, age, health and household circumstances – meaning some people may qualify even if they assume they earn too much or have previously been turned down.
Joe said: “Many people assume they won't qualify for financial support, so they never check what's available. However, eligibility often depends on a range of factors, including your household income, savings, age, health and family circumstances.
"Even if you've been turned down in the past, your circumstances may have changed. Taking just a few minutes to check what you're entitled to could make a significant difference to your finances.”
1. Universal Credit
Universal Credit can help people on a low income or who are out of work.
You do not necessarily have to be unemployed to qualify, as some people in work may still be eligible depending on their earnings and circumstances. See more on gov.uk.
2. Pension Credit
Pension Credit provides extra income for people over State Pension age on a lower income.
It can also open the door to other support, including help with housing costs and Council Tax, depending on your circumstances.
3. Council Tax Reduction
People on a low income or claiming certain benefits may qualify for help towards their Council Tax bill.
The scheme is administered by local councils, so eligibility rules can vary depending on where you live.
4. Carer's Allowance
People who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone could be eligible for Carer's Allowance if they meet the other qualifying conditions.
5. Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is available to some people over State Pension age with a disability or health condition who need help with personal care or supervision.
6. Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, can help people with a long-term illness or disability with some of the additional costs associated with their condition.
Eligibility is based on how a condition affects someone's daily life rather than simply the diagnosis itself.
7. Healthy Start
Eligible pregnant women and families with young children may be able to receive a prepaid card to help pay for healthy food and milk.
The scheme can also provide free Healthy Start vitamins.
8. Free school meals
Some families may qualify for free school meals but not realise they meet the relevant income requirements.
Rules differ across the UK, so families should check the criteria in their area.
9. Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount scheme provides eligible households with help towards their electricity costs during winter.
Eligibility depends on your circumstances and, in some cases, your energy supplier.
10. Housing support
People who rent their home or have housing costs could be entitled to support through Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, depending on their circumstances.
Check what you could claim
The Government has an online benefits checker that can help people explore what financial support may be available based on their circumstances.
It is particularly worth checking if your situation has changed recently – for example, if you have retired, started a new job, moved home, become a carer or had a child.
Independent Age is also calling for action from both the Scottish and UK Governments to improve benefit take-up.
Debbie Horne, Scotland policy and public affairs manager for Independent Age, said: “In a fair society, all of us should be able to live well as we age. Key to this is an accessible social security system.
“However, it’s clear that the current system is failing too many older people. With millions not reaching those it’s designed for, we need change.
“From the stress caused by not knowing if you can pay your rent, to not being able to turn on the heating in the winter, we know that poverty in later life can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing.
“That’s why it’s essential that everyone receives the support they’re entitled to.
“Full take-up of means-tested, social security payments for older people would pull huge numbers out of poverty, and boost the income of thousands of pensioners in Scotland.
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“It is logical that Governments across the UK do more to ensure people on a low income in later life receive everything they are eligible for and need.”
A UK Government spokesperson said: “Supporting pensioners is a top priority, and thanks to our commitment to the triple lock, millions will see their yearly state pension rise by £2,100 this Parliament.
“The Government wants all pensioners to get the support they are rightly entitled to and, thanks to our biggest ever Pension Credit take-up campaign, an additional 33,500 pension credit awards were made in 2025 compared with the previous year, worth an average of £87 a week, helping more pensioners access the support they are entitled to.”
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