11 ways to boost your income by claiming benefits, discounts and reductions before end of month

dailyrecord.co.uk:

More than two-fifths (42%) of people predict their finances will worsen over the next three months, according to a wealth and wellbeing tracker by LV=.A similar proportion (44%) of the 4,000 people surveyed across the UK in March said their finances had already deteriorated over recent weeks and more than half (58%) said their total monthly outgoings have now increased.People over State Pension age were found to be particularly likely to say their spending has gone up as nearly two-thirds (65%) of retirees said their supermarket spend has increased in the past three months.

State Pension and some other benefits are uprated by 3.1% in April, but inflation could hit a 40-year high of 8.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).Clive Bolton, managing director of protection, savings and retirement at LV= said: "The results of the latest LV= wealth and wellbeing monitor highlight how the finances of millions of people are being squeezed by the large rise in the cost of living."Rising energy prices are becoming a significant problem for many people, particularly those who are retired.”To try and help more people put extra money in their pocket or make a saving through a discount or reduction, we have compiled a list of things to check.

As previously mentioned, benefits delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Social Security Scotland are rising on April 11 - new rates can be found here.

If you are worried about managing your money, one of the first things to do after reviewing your financial situation is to make sure you’re claiming all the money you’re entitled to.