Martin Lewis urges families earning less than £40k to take 10-minute test

The Money Saving Expert said £19 billion benefits are currently going unclaimed – here's how to check if you're getting all you should be

Martin Lewis is urging ALL families with a household income of under £40,000 to take a 10-minute test – or risk missing out on vital benefits.

The financial expert warned that £19 billion of entitlements are currently left unclaimed, and this simple test will help you find out if you're getting all the help you should – and it's as quick as making a cuppa!

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During a special episode of the Martin Lewis Money Show, the money saving expert explained that many people could be missing out on extra cash – because they assume they're not eligible for government help.

But, he urged everyone whose household earns under the £40k threshold to check they are getting all they should.

He explained to viewers of the ITV show:

'If you've got household income of up to £40,000, especially at the higher level if you've got kids or a high rent, get yourself on to a benefits calculator and spend 10 minutes to see if you're missing out on any entitlement.

'£19bn of entitlements are not being claimed by people who are due them, so it's worth the check.'

You can find out what you're eligible for using the Government's benefits calculator.

'You should absolutely check'

It's not the first time the financial expert has spoken out about this.

Last year, Martin Lewis sent out an urgent warning to families warning them that they could be missing out on Universal Credit.

At the time, he encouraged households with an income of under £40,000 to check if they qualify for Universal Credit, by advising families to carry out a 10-minute test on a benefits calculator to find out whether they're eligible for the cash.

He said:

'My rule of thumb is if you have family income of under £40,000 then you should absolutely check on a benefits calculator whether you are entitled to Universal Credit.'

Speaking at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) sub-committee on Online Harms and Disinformation, the financial journalist explained that although not everyone with an income under £40,000 was guaranteed to receive the payments, it was still worth checking to be sure.

Up to 7 million people missing out

Previously speaking on his money show on ITV, the finance expert said:

'There are up to 7 million of you who are eligible and who are missing out. I am not, repeat, saying you will get it.

'I am saying it's definitely worth 10 minutes of your time to go onto an online benefits calculator – there are a good few of them out there – and it should take about 10 minutes to put all of your details in to see if you are due.

'Remember, benefits aren't just for those out of work. 40% of those on Universal Credit are in work.'

With household costs still spiralling under the cost of living crisis, we're sure to be carrying out this test pronto.

Click here for the benefits calculator.

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