With the cost of living continuing to rise, every penny counts. But what if there’s money you’re missing out on simply because you haven’t checked? Whether it’s a forgotten benefit, an overpaid tax bill, or support you didn’t realise you could claim, these 10 money checks could help boost your budget and relieve financial pressure.
1. Check if You’re Entitled to Benefits
Many people assume that benefits are only for those who are out of work, but that’s not true. If you’re on a low income, have children, a disability, or are caring for someone, you may be eligible for financial support like Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
Even if you’ve checked before, it’s worth reviewing again as thresholds and entitlements can change.
Where to check:
- Angel Advance benefits calculator
- entitledto benefits calculator
- Turn2us benefits calculator
- Apply for Universal Credit – GOV.UK
2. Student Loan Refunds
If you started repaying your student loan before you were supposed to, either because your employer deducted it too early or you earned under the repayment threshold, you might be due a refund.
This can happen if you earned less than the threshold for your loan plan type, or if HMRC and the Student Loans Company didn’t update your records quickly enough. It only takes a few minutes to find out, and you could get hundreds back.
Where to check/apply:
3. Check Your Tax Code
If your tax code is wrong, you could be paying too much income tax, and that could mean you’re owed money. Tax codes can be incorrect if you’ve recently changed jobs, started a second job, or had a change in benefits (like a company car).
Check your payslip for your tax code and compare it against what’s on the HMRC website. If it looks off, contact HMRC to get it corrected and claim any overpaid tax.
Where to check:
4. Claim Back Uniform Costs
If you wear a uniform or protective clothing to work, and you’re responsible for cleaning or maintaining it yourself, you may be able to claim a tax rebate. This applies to many jobs, including nurses, retail workers, hospitality staff, and tradespeople.
The standard rebate is worth £60 to £150 – depending on your job and how far back you’re claiming. You can backdate claims for up to four years.
Where to check/apply:
5. Apply for Marriage Allowance
If you’re married or in a civil partnership and one of you earns below the personal allowance threshold (£12,570 in 2025), you may be able to transfer part of your tax-free allowance to your partner. This can reduce the higher earner’s tax by up to £252 a year.
Even better, you can backdate your claim for up to four years, potentially receiving over £1,000 in total.
Where to apply:
6. Free School Meals and School Grants
If you have children, it’s worth checking if they qualify for free school meals. Eligibility often depends on your income and the benefits you receive. Some councils also offer help with school uniforms, PE kits, and learning equipment.
Support varies depending on your local authority, so it’s always worth checking.
Where to check:
7. Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
Council Tax can take a big chunk out of your budget, but you may be able to reduce it depending on your circumstances. Discounts are available if:
- You live alone (single person discount: 25%)
- You’re a student
- You’re a carer
- Someone in your household has a severe mental impairment
In some cases, full exemptions apply, so it’s worth checking with your local council.
Where to check/apply:
8. Help With Childcare Costs
Childcare is one of the biggest expenses for working families, but there’s a range of support available:
- Tax-Free Childcare gives you up to £500 every 3 months (£2,000 a year) per child
- 15 hours of free childcare for eligible 9-month-olds to 2-year-olds
- 30 hours of free childcare for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds
- Universal Credit childcare element, which can cover up to 85% of costs for those on low incomes
Make sure you’re not missing out, some parents are eligible for more than one scheme.
Where to check/apply:
- Tax-Free Childcare – GOV.UK
- 15 hours and 30 hours free childcare – GOV.UK
- Universal Credit Childcare – GOV.UK
9. Trace Forgotten Savings or Pensions
If you’ve changed jobs or moved house over the years, you could have forgotten pensions or old savings accounts that are still holding your money.
Use the government’s tracing services to track down pensions or unclaimed savings; it’s free, and it could lead to a pleasant surprise.
Where to check:
10. Check if You’re Entitled to Carer’s Benefits
If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and they receive certain disability benefits, you could be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, even if you’re not living with them or related.
Even if you don’t qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you might still get extra support via National Insurance credits or other top-ups.
Where to check/apply:
Sometimes the difference between scraping by and breathing easier is just a few simple checks. Whether it’s getting a tax refund, claiming missed benefits, or finding forgotten funds, it’s worth spending a little time to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
And if you’re struggling with the cost of living or feeling overwhelmed by debts, remember: you don’t have to face it alone. Contact Angel Advance for free, confidential debt advice. A quick chat could be the first step toward getting back on track.
