THOUSANDS of people in Wales are missing out on financial support they are entitled to, the Welsh government has warned. 

About £1 billion in benefits goes unclaimed each year, and the government’s Claim What’s Yours campaign is urging people to check what they are entitled to.

Since 2020, over £10.5 million has been returned to people through previous winter campaigns including benefits, pensions, help with care costs and council tax reductions. 

Eligible claimants could receive some £1,800 through pension credit or save £800 a year on council tax.

Advicelink Cymru said it helped a woman whose state and private pensions were being swallowed by bills. 

After a full check, she qualified for pension credit, housing benefit, and council tax reduction, increasing her income by almost £1,000 a month. 

This winter, households receiving council tax reduction and disabled band reduction will automatically get a £100 payment. 

Social Justice Secretary Jane Hutt said: “We are doing all we can to help people maximise their income and put money back into their pockets.”