Benefit entitlement awareness 'is an avoidable hardship'

People who are struggling with financial difficulties and attempting to avoid a bad credit rating may be able to help resolve their situation by assessing their benefit eligibility.

Managing director of the Debt Advice Foundation David Rodger said it is worth checking this over if outgoings exceed income.

He explained this is an avoidable hardship, which is common as £16 billion is unclaimed every year.

Anyone in this position could set themselves a strict budget plan to avoid losing control of their finances.

Accounting for the level of interest accrued could help with this concern, as spokeswoman for Moneyfacts.co.uk Rachel Springall recently warned these will mount up if neglected, particularly for those who have spent a lot over the festive period.

"If [people] do have sufficient disposable income to meet their credit commitments on paper, then they need to concentrate on tackling their most expensive credit first," Mr Rodger suggested.

Posted by Gemma Peacock