Benefits should help us make ends meet when we don’t have enough other income coming in. They are generally assumed to be a temporary measure if we’re below retirement age and able to work. But we have to know what we’re entitled to, and the rules, otherwise how will we know if we’re missing out?

And people are missing out. There are £23 billion of unclaimed benefits in the UK each year, according to welfare watchdog Policy in Practice.

Our circumstances are the main driver of the benefits we can get. If we’re vulnerable, for example a single parent or disabled, we’re entitled to a bit more. If we’re older and on a low income, for example, Pension Credit could top it up. That’s why the calculator asks about things like our income, our age and who we live with.

There are almost eight million households in the UK that are missing out on means-tested benefits – we need to make sure we’re not one of them! Missing out often means losing associated benefits too – for example, some extra benefits become available when we qualify for things like Universal Credit.

Get a rough idea by answering the questions below and, if it’s looking good, try the more detailed calculator after. If you have any questions about your results, you may be able to get free support from the Quids in! team at Clean Slate. Find out if we offer help in your area by clicking here, and if not, contact an advice agency.