Make the Call — free benefits check
A free Department for Communities service that checks whether you are getting every benefit, grant and support you are entitled to. In 2023/24 it found over £62 million in unclaimed benefits for NI households.
- Worth
- Free — average uplift of around £99 a week for those found to be under-claiming
- Run by
- Department for Communities
- Status
- Free advice service
Who qualifies
- Anyone living in Northern Ireland — particularly people of pension age, people working on a low income, and anyone ill, injured or disabled
What it covers
A full entitlement check covering benefits, Pension Credit (which unlocks Cold Weather Payments and more), and referrals to energy and housing support.
How to apply
Call 0800 232 1271 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm), text ADVICE to 07984 405 248 for a call back, or email [email protected].
If you only do one thing, do this — qualifying for Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit unlocks several of the schemes above.
Source
Official page: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/unclaimed-benefits
Last checked automatically on 7 September 2026 — page reachable ✓.
Not sure this is the right scheme?
Run the one-minute eligibility check