Step 2 Maximise your money 2 Benefits and tax credits Many people we speak to miss out on extra money because they assume they aren’t entitled to any help. You may be surprised to know the following. Need a Do first • In February 2018, more than 20 million people in Great Britain break? were claiming benefits. • In October 2018, more than a third of people getting Universal Credit were working. • There are billions of pounds' worth of benefits that people are entitled to, but do not claim. Sometimes, we speak to people who feel uncomfortable about claiming benefits and who are embarrassed to get help. Benefit entitlement is a right and not a handout. It’s no different to making a doctor’s appointment if you are unwell. Don’t miss out on what you are entitled to and don’t struggle unnecessarily. There are lots of different types of benefits and tax credits. Some benefits are designed to help you with your rent, mortgage, council tax and daily living costs (including childcare). Some help to replace income when you are unable to work or lose your job. Others help with the extra costs that a disability or caring for another person can bring. There are also benefits that your employer must pay if you are off work due to sickness or maternity, paternity or adoption leave. Each benefit has its own set of rules. What you are entitled to will depend on your personal circumstances. It can be affected by things such as your age, household income, savings, National Insurance contribution (NIC) record and whether you are able to work. You do not need to know the rules. Most of us watch the TV or use a washing machine without knowing how all the parts fit together. It’s just the same for benefits. Turn2us is an expert in this area and will do the work for you. Don't miss out You can do a free personalised benefits check with Turn2us in less than 10 minutes. Millions of people already have. So don’t miss out: go to www.turn2us.org and see what you could get. Page 37