Online Tool Identifies Unclaimed Benefits
An online tool has uncovered over £84,800 in unclaimed benefits since its launch in January, according to Peterborough City Council.
The council's Better Off Calculator allows residents to check their eligibility for various benefits. Since going live, it has identified 68 households entitled to financial support.
The range of benefits identified includes universal credit, pension credit, carer's allowance, and the warm homes discount.
Council's Commitment to Financial Support
Zameer Ali, the council's cabinet member for communities, poverty, and public health, commented on the initiative's progress.
"This is an excellent start for a campaign aiming to alert those residents who might not be aware of the benefits to which they're entitled.
In 2026 and beyond we will be trying to help people become more financially resilient where possible, but we recognise that there are some individuals and households who might need help and we want to enable that."
Notably, one-third of those now claiming benefits through the tool had never previously claimed any benefits.
Estimated Unclaimed Benefits in Peterborough
A report by the analytics company Policy in Practice estimates that approximately 31,000 people across Peterborough may be entitled to unclaimed benefits they have yet to claim.
New Crisis Resilience Fund Launching
In addition to the Better Off Calculator, the council has introduced a new three-year Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF) aimed at helping families and individuals achieve greater financial stability over the long term.
The CRF is scheduled to launch in April and will also offer emergency assistance to those experiencing short-term financial crises.
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