MARTIN Lewis is urging hard-up households to do a quick check to see if they are owed cash – and they could claim thousands.

In his weekly MoneySavingExpert newsletter, he urged anyone earning under £40,000 to do a quick check.

The consumer champion is urging thousands of people to check if they're entitled to benefits, including Universal Credit.

MoneySavingExpert partnered with EntitledTo to create a simple to use benefits calculator.

The tool is free to use and will take you no more than 10-minutes to fill in.

You'll just need to share details on your savings, income, pension and any existing benefits.

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According to the charity EntitledTo, around 1.2million people are missing out on £7.46billion of Universal Credit.

That means those eligible but yet to make a claim could get an average of £6,216.

It could mean that you're not getting money you are due to help pay for spiralling bills.

Energy bills are set to hit £3,549 for the typical household in October and it's worth checking if you can get your hands on extra cash support.

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Claiming benefits now could also make you eligible for future cost of living payments as well.

Martin Lewis' team said: "It's a common misconception that benefits are only available if you're out of work – but even some families with an income of £50,000 or more can qualify for help. 

"With the cost of living rising, it's more important than ever to know what you're entitled to. Make sure you're not missing out."

How do I check if I'm entitled to benefits?

Simply visit MoneySavingExpert.com and fill in their 10-minute benefits calculator.

To fill in the calculator you'll need details on your:

• Savings
• Income
• Pensions
• Existing benefits

You'll also need your partners details if you're in a relationship.

All your persona details will be kept anonymous

The tool covers your entitlement to most but benefits, including Universal Credit.

The calculator will work out what you're due in low income support. It will also flag up some (but not all) relevant non-means-tested benefits that depend on circumstances such as your health. 

For further details on all the benefits on offer, visit the UK government website.

How much could I get in Universal Credit payments?

Here's how much Universal Credit you can get if you find out you're eligible:

Standard allowance (per month)

• For those single and aged under 25, the standard allowance is £265.31
• For those single and aged 25 or over, the standard allowance is £334.91
• For joint claimants both under 25, the standard allowance is £416.45
• For joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over, the standard allowance is £525.72

Extra amounts for children

• For those with a first child born before April 6, 2017, the extra amount is £290
• For those with a child born on or after April 6, 2017 or second child and subsequent child, the extra amount is £244.58
• For those with a disabled child, the lower rate addition payment is £132.89 and the higher rate is £414.88

Extra amounts for limited capability for work

• For those deemed to have limited capability for work, the extra amount is £132.89
• For those deemed to have limited capability for work or work-related activity, the extra amount is £354.28

Extra amounts for being a carer

Universal Credit claimants can get an additional amount if you're caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week.

The amount you get a month is £168.81.

How do I apply?

You can apply for Universal Credit online by creating an account on the gov.uk website.

You'll need financial information like your bank account details, form of identity, evidence of how much you make (if anything) and what your outgoings are (like rent).

In order to access the benefit, you should submit your claim within 28 days of making an account.

You will then have to attend an interview at a Jobcentre Plus, which will be within 10 days of submitting your application.

If you have a disability or health condition you may also need a work capability assessment.

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People who are struggling with bills or other costs while they wait for their first payment can apply to get an advance.

Otherwise you will have to wait five weeks to receive your cash.

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