Many people could be missing out on payments from the DWP, it is being warned. Benefits experts have warned the system can be hard to understand, leading to people failing to get the support they are due.

The team at debt support group Money Wellness has warned that people are putting off applying for benefits they are entitled to, including PIP. External relations manager Rebecca Lamb warned the benefits system can be "difficult to navigate".

She said: "The real danger of this complexity is that some people disengage altogether. When the system feels difficult to navigate, some delay applying, give up halfway through, or don't apply at all because they assume they won't qualify.

"That can have serious consequences. Missing out on benefits doesn't just mean less income. It can push people further into debt, make it harder to cover essentials like rent and energy bills, and increase stress at a time when support is needed most."

She pointed to two cases where people may struggle to get their head around the rules: Universal Credit and PIP. Looking at the PIP application process, she said: "The forms are long, the criteria can feel unclear, and the assessment process can be stressful, particularly for people already dealing with health challenges."

PIP provides support to help cover the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability. Claimants get varying levels of payments depending on how much their condition affects them.

It's important to not be on too low a rate, as the minimum you can get through the scheme is £30.30 a week while the maximum is £114.60 a week, a difference of £122.60, or £490.40 each four-week pay period.

When you put in your application, you may have to be assessed to determine to what extent your condition impacts you. Ms Lamb said there can also be issues with Universal Credit as your entitlement can change.

She said: "Payments can go up or down each month depending on your income and household situation, which makes it hard to budget or feel in control. For anyone with irregular earnings, it can feel like a moving target."

The expert warned there can be further effects from missing out on benefits. She explained: "Some benefits act as a gateway to other help, such as council tax reductions or additional cost-of-living support.

"Even one gateway benefit can be worth hundreds a year, and when combined, they can easily add up to an extra £1,000 to £3,000 in extra support. So if someone doesn't apply for one benefit, they could be missing out on several layers of support without even realising it.

"Ultimately, while the system is designed to provide a safety net, its complexity can make it feel out of reach for some people. And that's when people lose out the most."

The DWP was asked for a comment. A DWP spokesperson said: "We offer support through free channels to ensure customers receive the benefits they're entitled to. However, we recognise issues in the current system, which is why we have launched the first ever full review of PIP co-produced with disabled people and the organisations that represent them - to ensure it is fit and fair for the future.