£120 million in unclaimed benefits in Islington: a call to action for VCFSE organisations

New research estimates that £120 million in benefits goes unclaimed in Islington every year, with more than 34,000 households missing out on vital financial support they are entitled to. At a time when many residents are struggling with the cost of food, energy and housing, this hidden income could make a life-changing difference.

VCFSE organisations are uniquely placed to help. As trusted partners working closely with communities, we often reach people who are least likely to engage with statutory services or who assume they are not eligible for support. Yet many residents are missing out on benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, Council Tax Support, free school meals and social tariffs — often due to lack of awareness, system complexity, stigma, language barriers or fear that claiming could negatively affect their housing or income.

Increasing benefit take-up is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty locally. Even small interventions — starting a conversation, sharing clear information, or signposting to advice — can unlock additional income that helps households afford food, heat their homes and improve their overall wellbeing.

The flyer linked below sets out:

• The scale of unclaimed benefits in Islington

• Common barriers that stop people from claiming

• Practical ways VCFSE organisations can help, including using the Islington benefits calculator and referring to local advice services

We encourage all IFP members to take a few minutes to read the flyer and consider how this work could be built into existing activities. Helping residents claim what they are entitled to is a powerful form of food insecurity prevention — and action now really matters.