Nationwide Building Society has introduced a free support tool that could help households across the UK secure an additional £560 each month on average.
The country’s largest building society is providing this financial guidance through its benefits calculator, which operates both online and via telephone.
This dual approach makes the service accessible to anyone seeking to understand what government support they might qualify for, regardless of their digital capabilities.
The initiative aims to connect people with money they are rightfully owed but have not yet claimed.
The ‘Better Off’ calculator has identified approximately £75 million in yearly unclaimed benefits since Nationwide introduced it seven months ago.
More than 18,000 individuals have used the tool to check their eligibility, with over 11,000 households discovering they could receive additional financial support.
The service, which launched in June 2025, was developed alongside social policy data specialists Policy in Practice.
Recent findings from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute have highlighted the obstacles that prevent millions of people from determining whether they qualify for government assistance.
Nationwide has launched a new service | GETTY
Nationwide became the first financial services provider to offer such a calculator through a telephone service, tackling the issue of digital exclusion that affects many potential claimants.
The tool is open to everyone, not solely the building society’s own customers. This accessibility is particularly significant given that an estimated £24billion in benefits remains unclaimed annually across the UK.
By providing both digital and phone-based options, the service removes barriers for those who cannot or prefer not to use online platforms, simplifying what many find to be an overwhelming and confusing process.
Nationwide and Policy in Practice have identified three primary obstacles that prevent people from accessing the support they deserve.
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Nationwide became the first financial services provider to offer such a calculator through a telephone service
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NegativeSpaceFirstly, many individuals simply do not realise they qualify for assistance.
Secondly, the application process itself presents challenges, with complicated forms, varying criteria, and multiple submissions creating a time-consuming and intimidating experience.
Thirdly, negative attitudes towards claiming benefits continue to deter eligible households, despite the fact that 40 per cent of benefit payments are made to people who are employed. The building society is urging ministers to address these issues directly.
Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability for Nationwide said: “Millions of people across the UK are missing out on vital financial support they are entitled to – simply because the system is too complex to understand and access.
“That’s why we’re calling on the government to simplify the system, raise public awareness and help challenge the stigma that still prevents too many people from seeking the support they’re owed.
“By removing these barriers, we can ensure that vital financial help reaches every household that needs it and make the safety net work as it was intended.
“We encourage anyone to take a moment to explore what they may be entitled to, so they don’t miss out on support that could make a meaningful difference.”
The organisation is also currently offering £175 if you’ll transfer over from a non-Nationwide account to them
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PAThe organisation is also currently offering £175 if you’ll transfer over from a non-Nationwide account to them.
The cash incentive is available when switching from a new or existing FlexDirect, FlexAccount or FlexPlus account.
There are several steps to follow and once you’re completed, the amount will be paid into your account within 10 working days.
Guidance on the Nationwide website warns that the £175 offer is available for a “limited time only” but there is no mention of a final date.
