Make the Call — free benefits check
A free Department for Communities service that checks whether you're getting every benefit, support and service you're entitled to. In 2023/24 it helped over 12,000 people claim £62 million they had been missing — an average of £99 a week each.
- Worth
- Free — people helped in 2023/24 were £99 a week better off on average
- Run by
- Department for Communities
- Status
- Free advice service
Who qualifies
- Anyone living in Northern Ireland
- Aimed particularly at people over State Pension age, working people aged 16 to State Pension age, people who are ill, injured or living with a disability, and carers
What it covers
A full check of the benefits, supports and services you may be entitled to, and help to claim them. As well as benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Carer's Allowance and Personal Independence Payment, the team can connect you to things like a Blue Badge, a free bus pass, free school meals, home safety checks and help to reduce energy costs.
How it works
Many of the schemes on this site are unlocked by a benefit. Pension Credit and Universal Credit can bring Cold Weather Payments, and any means-tested benefit puts you in NISEP's priority group. That's why a benefits check is often worth more than any single grant.
Pension Credit matters most for older people. It tops up weekly income, and qualifying for even a small amount can open the door to other help — Cold Weather Payments, and a free TV licence if you're 75 or over.
How it works
- It helps to have to hand your National Insurance number, details of any benefits or pensions you already get, and a rough idea of your household income and savings.
- Call free on 0800 232 1271, or text ADVICE to 079 8440 5248 and the team will call you back. You can also ask for a call back using the online form on nidirect.
- The adviser goes through your circumstances and tells you what you may be entitled to.
- If you qualify for something new, they can help you make the claim.
If you only do one thing, do this — qualifying for Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit unlocks several of the schemes above.
Examples
Pensioner on State Pension only
A check finds she qualifies for Pension Credit. That raises her weekly income and means she'll also get Cold Weather Payments during cold spells.
Carer working part-time
A check confirms he can claim Carer's Allowance alongside his wages, as long as his earnings stay under the limit.
Family on Universal Credit with a disabled child
The check makes sure the disabled child amount is included in their award — which also qualifies them for Cold Weather Payments, whether or not they work.
Questions people ask
Is it really free?
Yes. Make the Call is a free service run by the Department for Communities.
Will a check change the benefits I already get?
The check itself doesn't change anything. It tells you about extra help you may be entitled to, and any new claim is your choice.
I was told before that I don't qualify. Is it worth calling again?
Often, yes. Rules and rates change every year, and changes to your health, household or income can change what you're entitled to.
Source
Official page: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/unclaimed-benefits
Last checked automatically on 23 October 2026 — official page reachable ✓.
Not sure this is the right scheme?
Run the one-minute eligibility check