More than 17,000 households have already accessed an average of £555 extra per month through Nationwide building society's Better Off Indicator, a free service that identifies unclaimed benefits, grants and other financial support. The service is available to both Nationwide customers and non-customers, and can be used online, over the phone, or with support in branch.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been distributing additional cash to low-income families, but it is up to individuals to check whether they qualify. Many households have received hundreds of pounds extra through benefits they were unaware they were entitled to, and others are now being urged to see if they could receive similar support.
Who Can Benefit and How It Works
The Better Off Indicator is designed for low-income households earning either above or below the income tax personal allowance rate of £12,570. The service helps identify benefits, grants and other support that users may be eligible for, potentially transforming finances and easing cost-of-living pressures.
The tool is also being expanded to Virgin Money customers, meaning even more people will be able to access free, personalised support. According to Nationwide, millions could be missing out on extra support that would make life a bit easier.
Nationwide's Statement on the Service
Kathryn Townsend, head of customer vulnerability at Nationwide, said: "Too many people are missing out on financial support simply because they don't realise they're eligible or find the system difficult to navigate."
She added: "At a time when many households are struggling to make ends meet, even a relatively small increase in income can make a real difference. By making the Better Off Indicator available through multiple channels – online, by phone and in branch – we're helping remove barriers and making it easier for everyone to access the support they may be entitled to."
How to Access the Service
The Better Off Indicator can be accessed through three main channels: online, over the phone, or with in-person support at a Nationwide branch. This multi-channel approach aims to remove barriers for those who may not be comfortable with digital services or who need extra help navigating the system.
The service is free to use and is available to people regardless of whether they hold a Nationwide account. For low-income households, the potential £555 monthly boost could significantly ease financial pressure, especially amid ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
Households are encouraged to check their eligibility as soon as possible, as the service continues to help thousands of people access the financial support they are entitled to. With the expansion to Virgin Money customers, the reach of the Better Off Indicator is set to grow, potentially helping even more families across the UK.
