Many people across the UK are feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, where wages have struggled to keep up with essential costs such as food, fuel and energy prices.
But more than 8 million people, including nursing staff, may be missing out on topping up their earnings due to lack of knowledge about the benefits system or assuming because they're working, they won’t qualify.
Last year, a total of £8.3bn went unclaimed in Universal Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). That’s more than 1.4 million people missing out on an average of £5,772.
Universal Credit is a government payment that can help those who are in work but might be struggling to meet childcare or rental costs. It’s a means-tested benefit considering your personal circumstances and earnings.
“Navigating the benefits system might seem complicated, especially if you’re working, but it’s a simple 10-minute online check to see if you might be eligible,” says RCN Senior Welfare Adviser Claire Cannings.
Do a benefits check
Applying for benefits might seem daunting, especially if you’ve not done it before, but we can support you through it.
“The RCN welfare service and financial wellbeing pages pull together some really helpful tools to help you navigate the benefits system,” says Claire. “Check to see if you’re eligible for any extra financial support.
“It’s always worth checking especially if you’ve had a change in circumstances, such as a new job, or a change in your family."
Benefit check in 5 easy steps
- Check your eligibility. Find out what you could get using an online benefits calculator such as; Turn2us benefits calculator, Entitled To benefits, or Policy in Practice benefits calculator. If you live in Northern Ireland, find out more about what benefits and financial support you might be entitled to on the NIdirect website.
- Gather necessary documents. Collate documents showing your income, employment status, and any other personal information. This may include; payslips, bank statements, National Insurance number, proof of rent or mortgage payments, any other relevant financial documents.
- Apply online. Most benefits can be claimed online through the official UK government website.
- Submit your application. Ensure all details are accurate and that you've attached the required documents. You may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional information.
- Track your claim. After submitting your application, keep an eye on its progress. You might receive requests for further information or evidence. You can typically track your claim via your online account that you’ll set up when you apply.
If your claim is successful, you'll start receiving payments based on the benefit you've applied for. If unsuccessful, contact the RCN welfare service for further support.
Free childcare
For working parents, free childcare provision can be confusing. “Parents can access free childcare for up to 30 hours a week,” says Claire. “But the number of hours you get is dependent on how many hours you’re working or if your income is below a certain level. Criteria differs across the 4 countries also, so it can be confusing for nursing staff who might be doing different shift patterns with fluctuating hours."
Childcare provisions change regularly; if unsure, there’s advice on the government website.
Real support: Sally's story
Sally separated from her husband in early 2024. She moved out of the family home into a privately rented flat with her 6-year-old daughter. Due to her childcare responsibilities, Sally changed her rota to work mainly over weekends, meaning she had to drop her regular hours slightly.
She’d never claimed benefits before and because she was still working 30 hours a week and getting financial support from her daughter’s father, she didn’t think she would be eligible for any financial support from the government.
However, it was only when Sally spoke to a colleague about how expensive she was finding renting, that her colleague suggested she explore the RCN’s financial wellbeing pages.
Sally used the online benefits calculator and discovered that because she was paying for registered childcare and renting a property, she was eligible for £233 a month through Universal Credit.
Student benefits
Many nursing students are eligible for benefits, but online benefits checkers don’t work for students - the RCN has separate advice for students.
If you’re an RCN student member, you can book a free 20-minute one-to-one call with one of our welfare advisers if you’re unsure about your benefits or what you can claim.
Understanding changes to your benefits
There may be circumstances when your benefit entitlement changes or stops. This could be due to a new benefit decision, a change in law, a change in your circumstances, or an official error.
The RCN welfare service can help you understand decisions about your benefits, and offer guidance on challenging or appealing incorrect decisions and payments. The service can also offer advice and representation in some circumstances.
“Before contacting the service, we encourage members to look at our financial wellbeing pages and complete the qualifying questions relevant to their situation, as this may answer their query without the need to wait for an appointment,” says Claire.
After applying for a benefit, if you feel the decision is incorrect, contact the RCN welfare service who can help with advice on appealing a decision.
Further information
- For further support regarding benefits and general money advice, visit the RCN welfare service.
- To apply direct and see what you could be entitled to, visit the UK government website.
