Nationwide has launched a free phone line and benefits calculator to help people in the UK understand what benefits and support is available to them. The service is available to everyone in the UK, not just Nationwide customers.
The service on offer is twofold; there is an online benefits calculator that helps people understand whether they're eligible for certain means-tested benefits. There is also the opportunity to complete a full calculation via a separate calculator and call a free phone line for further advice. The phone line is designed to ensure that people who can't or don't want to use digital services still have access to the benefits they're entitled to.
The new tools are offered in partnership with Policy in Practice. Policy in Practice is a social policy company that helps people access financial support. The company works with more than 350 organisations in the UK to help customers understand the benefits they're eligible for.
Deven Ghelani from Policy in Practice added: “Every year, £23 billion in benefits and support goes unclaimed because people don't know what they're eligible for, or they struggle to access online services. Digital exclusion often goes hand in hand with wider social and economic disadvantage. By partnering with Policy in Practice to offer an inclusive service, Nationwide is not only helping those most in need, it’s also meeting the growing expectation of customers and setting a benchmark for responsible banking.”
Since soft launching in June, the new tools have helped around 2,200 households access benefits they're entitled to. On average, these households have gained £554 extra per month as a result of using the services.
In addition to launching these free tools, Nationwide has appealed to the government to make access to unclaimed benefits simpler. In partnership with Policy in Practice, Nationwide have identified three barriers that prevent people in the UK from accessing benefits. These include a lack of awareness, complexity of the application process and the stigma associated with claiming benefits, despite the fact that 40% of benefits go to people who are in work.
How does Nationwide's free Better Off Calculator work?
Nationwide has a simple Better Off Indicator tool that you can use to gauge whether you're likely to be eligible for any benefits. You can access the Better Off Indicator via the Nationwide website.
The Better Off Indicator works for most people living in the UK on a permanent basis. It only takes a few minutes to complete.
You'll need to fill out a few details about yourself and your personal and financial circumstances, including how much money you and your partner make and whether you have any savings. If the Better Off Indicator suggests you can claim benefits, you'll be given an estimate of how much you're likely to be eligible for and invited to complete the full calculation via the Better Off Calculator on the Policy in Practice web page.
This full calculation takes a little longer to complete and requires a bit more information; however, it should give you a clear idea of exactly how much you're likely to be eligible for. You'll need to fill out information about your household, health and caring responsibilities, property details, and income and earnings. Once you do, you'll get an estimate of the amount of benefits you're likely to be eligible for, as well as the benefits you could apply for.
You can do this yourself online, or you can use the free helpline to call People in Practice, and they can help you complete the calculation and explain what your results mean. We discuss this in more detail below.
How to access Nationwide's free benefits helpline
If you would like to speak with someone about your specific circumstances, you can call the Policy in Practice helpline on 0300 3730619. They can help you complete the full calculation using the Better Off Calculator. Calls are charged at your standard rate, but there is also a call-back option available on request. There are no extra charges to use this service.
To get the most out of your call, you'll need to ensure you have certain details about your personal situation. These include:
- Your income, such as your salary, any benefits and tax credits you receive, as well as pensions
- Your partner's income, if applicable
- Your savings and investments
- Information about your living expenses, such as your rent or mortgage, and your Council Tax bill
For more information, take a look at the Better Off Calculator page on the Nationwide website.
MTTM AI (beta) 
