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Households across the UK could be missing out on thousands of pounds of DWP benefits if they're earning £40,000 or less.

Many people don't realise that DWP benefits such as Universal Credit and Child Benefit are not just for those who don't work, but in fact according to the DWP's official statistics, more than one third of Universal Credit claimants claim the money while working.

That's why households are being urged to check if they can access extra money to top up their income, which you could still qualify for even if you earn as much as £40,000.

Money Saving Expert says, as a rough guide, that if you have a household income of less than £40,000, it's worth doing a quick check with a benefits calculator, especially if you rent or have children.

MSE explains: "When it comes to claiming benefits, our general rule is: it's worth checking whether you qualify if you have a household income under £40,000 a year (particularly if you rent and have children).

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"The main thing to remember is benefits are not just for the unemployed. State support is designed to help those in a range of situations, from those struggling on a low income, to new families, to those with long-standing medical conditions. Even someone earning a high salary could be eligible for some help."

Benefits group Policy In Practice says that as much as £24.1 billion in unclaimed benefits was missed last year, with the highest amount coming from Universal Credit.

It said: "In 2025/26 an estimated £24.1 billion in income-related benefits and social tariffs will go unclaimed across Great Britain. Accessing this support would help raise living standards, prevent crises and reduce pressure on public services, but it is not reaching the people who need it.

"This figure reflects both welfare policy changes and improvements in how estimates are calculated. While the amount appears higher than the £22.7 billion published in 2024, differences in data and improvements to our methodology mean the two totals are not directly comparable.

"The highest unclaimed amounts are found in Universal Credit, Council Tax Support and Carer's Allowance, showing where action could make the biggest financial difference. At the same time, the largest numbers of missed claims are linked to broadband social tariffs, water discounts and Council Tax Support, highlighting the need to improve visibility and access to support for everyday essentials."

Part of what the 'catch-all' monthly benefit does is support people on low incomes or no income with their housing or living costs.

The government's Universal Credit website says: "You may be able to get Universal Credit if you're on a low income or need help with your living costs. You could be: out of work, working (including self-employed or part time) or unable to work, for example because of a health condition."

The government says claimants must live in the UK, be aged 18 or over and be under state pension age.

You also must have £16,000 or less in your bank account, including savings or investments.

If one of you or your partner has reached state pension age, you can still claim Universal Credit as a couple but these payments will stop once both of you reach state pension age.

You can claim the benefit as a single earner living alone, or if you live with other people (such as a house share or flat share). In these cases, only your income will be counted against the benefit, not 'household income'.

But if you live with a partner, such as a girlfriend/boyfriend or wife/husband, it's the household income for the two of you combined which will be used to calculate what you might be able to get on Universal Credit as a top-up to your household income.