Voice of People Report, 12 April

In Westminster, London, the UK’s social security system is again under discussion—especially the role of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and how far its support really reaches people.

In a recent parliamentary committee discussion, an uncomfortable fact came out: around £24 billion worth of benefits may go unclaimed every year.

In simple words, a huge part of government help is not reaching the people who need it most.

This has brought back focus on “income maximisation”—an idea that means making sure people receive all the financial support they are entitled to. With rising living costs, financial pressure, and mental health challenges, this is no longer just a policy idea. It is becoming a real-life urgent issue.

Who is missing out?

People of working age in the UK can usually claim Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Older people may get Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance.

But in reality, many people do not know these benefits exist. Others struggle with long and difficult application forms.

As a result, billions of pounds stay unclaimed in the system, without improving people’s lives.

Parliament’s concern

The Treasury Committee recently spoke with policy experts and researchers. They wanted to check how well the government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy is working in real life.

One big gap was clear: not just a lack of information, but a lack of personal help and guidance.

Concern about “lost billions.”

Helen Undy, Chief Executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said that one of the biggest missing pieces is a clear plan to deal with the £24 billion of unclaimed benefits each year.

She said people with mental health problems or difficult life situations need personal support—over the phone or face-to-face. This kind of “income maximisation” help can make a real difference.

In her view, this is not just administration. It can change people’s lives.

If information exists, why doesn’t it reach people

The UK already has online benefit calculators and tools, such as Turn2us.

But many people still do not use them, or cannot understand them properly.

Another key issue is National Insurance contributions. Many people do not know how much State Pension they will get, or how to increase it.

At present, the full State Pension is about £241.30 per week after the triple lock increase. But to get the full amount, people usually need around 35 years of National Insurance contributions. Without that, pension income can be lower, creating financial stress in later life.

Where is the real problem?

The key question is simple: is the problem a lack of information, or a weakness in support systems?

Policy makers often talk about “raising awareness”. But in reality, awareness alone is not enough.

Many people do not even know they are eligible. Others give up because the process is too complex.

This creates a silent gap—support exists, but access is missing.

The UK welfare system now faces an important question: is help really reaching citizens, or staying only on paper?

“Income maximisation” is not just a technical term. It is directly linked to food, housing, and mental peace.

And if £24 billion is truly unclaimed every year, then this is not only an economic issue—it is a question of fairness and the responsibility of the state.