Latest news with #CouncilTaxSupport
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Exact amount Universal Credit claimants can receive before payments STOPPED
Read on to find out whether you could be affected NOT TO YOUR BENEFIT Exact amount Universal Credit claimants can receive before payments STOPPED MILLIONS of households in the UK rely on Universal Credit to help with their day-to-day living costs. However, many people may not be aware that certain life changes can have a huge impact on your eligibility for the benefit - and could lead to payments being reduced or even stopped altogether. 1 Many people may not be aware that certain life changes can have a huge impact on your eligibility for Universal Credit Credit: Alamy If you receive a lump sum of money through inheritance, premium bonds, or a lottery or other cash prize, you may find yourself cut off from your benefits - even if you still need them going forward. Other payments such as redundancy payouts, life insurance and pension lump sums, divorce settlements and compensation payouts can also affect your benefits. This is because Universal Credit is one of several state benefits that are means tested, meaning they are based on how much money you have in savings and investments. Which benefits are affected by savings? HERE are all the benefits affected by savings Universal Credit Pension Credit Council Tax Support Housing Benefit Hargreaves Lansdown personal finance expert Sarah Coles says it's crucial to tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if you're expecting to receive a lump sum that may take you over the threshold. 'If your inheritance takes your total savings and investments to more than £6,000, it won't affect your eligibility for Universal Credit. "If it takes you over £6,000 but to less than £16,000, it will mean you get less, but you will still be eligible for a payment. If it takes you over £16,000 you won't get any Universal Credit. "If you're affected, it's key to tell the government as soon as possible, so you don't receive any payments you're not entitled to." How much can I have in savings to claim Universal Credit? According to the maximum amount of savings you can have to qualify for Universal Credit is £16,000. Therefore, if you receive a sum of money that takes you over this threshold, you are likely to see your benefits stopped completely. If you have £6,000 or less in your bank account, this will not affect your Universal Credit claim. I lost 'everything' when UC stopped my £4.3k-month payment... now I've been sacked from my new job If you have between £6,000 and £16,000, your payments will be reduced. For every £250 you have between £6,000 and £16,000, your payments will decrease by £4.35. It's also worth noting that if you live with a partner, their savings and investments will also be included in this limit. However, anything in your child's name, such as children's savings accounts and Child Trust Funds, will not count. What if I'm due to get inheritance? If you're due to get inheritance, or expecting any change in your money, savings and investments, you must inform the DWP. If you fail to tell the Government of any changes that may affect your benefits, you could end up overpaying your Universal Credit, and this extra money will be deducted from your future payments until it is repaid in full. AJ Bell savings expert Charlene Young also stresses that you can't opt out of receiving inheritance in order to keep your benefits. "The rules mean that refusing the inheritance cash or try to give it away to keep you under the limit won't work," she told The Sun. You also cannot knowingly reduce your money, savings and investments. If the DWP decides you have deliberately reduced your money, your savings will be treated as though you still have it in your account. You can also be prosecuted for fraud or fined for doing so, or for giving false information about your savings and investments. However, if you have used your savings to pay off debt or buy essential items, this will not count as knowingly reducing your money. What if I'm writing a will? If you're planning on leaving inheritance to a loved one but are worried about them losing their benefits, there are steps you can take to prevent this. Lawson-West Solicitors advises people to set up a trust for their inheritance. "A discretionary trust can be created to protect funds passing directly to the person on benefits. "It can also be used to provide for the person receiving benefits in other ways, such as providing them rent-free accommodation, that will not affect their benefits," Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Thousands on benefits including Universal Credit are missing out on help with key bill
We share how you can apply for the support TO YOUR BENEFIT Thousands on benefits including Universal Credit are missing out on help with key bill Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THOUSANDS on benefits, including Universal Credit, are missing out on help with a key bill. Council tax is an annual fee you pay to your local council. The cost is set by your council and goes towards funding local services. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 We explain how you can help with your council tax bill if you claim Universal Credit Credit: Alamy That means the amount you pay varies depending on where you live. You usually have to pay the charge if you own or rent your home. But if you claim certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, you could be entitled to a discount on the amount you pay. The support is given out by local councils in England, so how much you get will depend on where you live, your income, dependants and other benefits. You can find out if you're eligible by visiting To use the tool, you will need to enter your postcode and it will redirect you to your local council's website where you can find out more. How much you get will also depend on what band you are in. The bands range from A to H, with A homes paying the least and H the most. For example, households in Leeds can apply for a Council Tax Support if they claim Universal Credit or Carers Allowance. In Manchester, you can claim council tax support when you apply for Universal Credit. Disability benefit explained - what you can claim If you are already receiving council tax support but are due to be moved across to Universal Credit it is important to tell the council. The government is in the process of moving people on older benefits, like tax credits and income-based ESA, to the newer Universal Credit system. You may have received a migration notice in the form of a letter. As soon as you get this, write to your local council to ensure your support continues. Charities such as Shelter have information online about how to structure the letter. You can find out more by visiting, What other Council Tax Support is available? If you're not receiving benefits or don't qualify for your local authority's low-income council tax support scheme, you may still be eligible for help. Pensioners may also be able to get a council tax discount if they receive certain benefits. Those on the guarantee credit element of pension credit could get up to 100% off their bill. If you do not get guaranteed credit but have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings then you may still get some help. Meanwhile, if you are a pensioner who lives alone then you will qualify for a 25% discount. Elsewhere, you could get a 25% council tax reduction if you live on your own or if others at home are classed as "disregarded". For example, if a single adult lives with a severely mentally impaired person then they can get 25% off their council tax. Meanwhile, if you live in an all-student household then you do not need to pay any council tax.
Scottish Sun
31-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Hard-up households to get up to £150 in free cost of living cash
Read below for more councils providing financial support CASH IN Hard-up households to get up to £150 in free cost of living cash HARD-UP households can get up to £150 in free cost of living cash. Cash-strapped households can get access to money through the Household Support Fund (HSF). 1 The household support fund gives cash grants to struggling households The scheme has been extended multiple times with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026. Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to residents in need. Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income. Eligible households in Leeds will get payments of up to £150 to help. How much you will be given depends on factors like if you are a pensioner or if you have dependent children. All claimants must also be in receipt of Council Tax Support, a scheme where those on a low income or benefits can get money off the bill. The payment will be £125 to households with dependent children and £50 to all households without. Meanwhile, some pensioner households who are eligible for Council Tax Support but not the Winter Fuel Payment will receive £150. The £300 benefit was previously available to everyone aged 66 but cuts made by Labour now mean only those on means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit get the help. Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to ease cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance, - however the PM was sparse on details about when the changes might take place. Cash for Care Leeds council said those who are eligbile for the support will recieve the payment in the autumn and winter. The council also said it would be in direct contact with those who meet the criteria. A qualifying date for when you need to have been in receipt of Council Tax Support to be eligible for the support has not yet been set. So if you think you may be eligible for the support it might be worth submitting an application. You can find out more by vising, APPLY FOR A COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax. Whether you are eligible will vary depending on where you live. Also it does not matter whether you own your home or rent, anyone who is struggling financially can apply. You need to apply for a reduction via your local councils website. To make a claim, will need to provide the council with information on your earnings and what pensions, benefits, allowances and tax credits you receive. To find where your local council is visit In some instances your bill could be reduced by 100%, meaning you don't have to pay anything. You could also get a deferral if you're struggling to pay your bill, or you can speak to your council about setting up a payment plan to manage the cost. Pensioners may also find themselves eligible for a council tax reduction. If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you could get a 100% discount. If not, you could still get help if you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings. And a pensioner who lives alone will be entitled to a 25% discount too. Again, to claim this, you will need to contact your local council. WHAT IF I DON'T LIVE IN LEEDS The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England. For example, North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers worth up to £100 to those in need. And, families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500. Meanwhile, Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund is worth £200. Hartlepool council is also distributing £100 food vouchers to all children eligible for free school meals aged between two and 19. But even if you don't live in these areas but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help. This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable. What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers. It's worth bearing in mind, because the new round of the HSF has only just opened, you might not be able to apply for help yet. However, it's worth keeping an eye on your local council's website or social media channels.
The Sun
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Hard-up households to get up to £150 in free cost of living cash
HARD-UP households can get up to £150 in free cost of living cash. Cash-strapped households can get access to money through the Household Support Fund (HSF). 1 The scheme has been extended multiple times with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026. Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to residents in need. Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income. Eligible households in Leeds will get payments of up to £150 to help. How much you will be given depends on factors like if you are a pensioner or if you have dependent children. All claimants must also be in receipt of Council Tax Support, a scheme where those on a low income or benefits can get money off the bill. The payment will be £125 to households with dependent children and £50 to all households without. Meanwhile, some pensioner households who are eligible for Council Tax Support but not the Winter Fuel Payment will receive £150. The £300 benefit was previously available to everyone aged 66 but cuts made by Labour now mean only those on means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit get the help. Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to ease cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance, - however the PM was sparse on details about when the changes might take place. Cash for Care Leeds council said those who are eligbile for the support will recieve the payment in the autumn and winter. The council also said it would be in direct contact with those who meet the criteria. A qualifying date for when you need to have been in receipt of Council Tax Support to be eligible for the support has not yet been set. So if you think you may be eligible for the support it might be worth submitting an application. You can find out more by vising, APPLY FOR A COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax. Whether you are eligible will vary depending on where you live. Also it does not matter whether you own your home or rent, anyone who is struggling financially can apply. You need to apply for a reduction via your local councils website. To make a claim, will need to provide the council with information on your earnings and what pensions, benefits, allowances and tax credits you receive. To find where your local council is visit In some instances your bill could be reduced by 100%, meaning you don't have to pay anything. You could also get a deferral if you're struggling to pay your bill, or you can speak to your council about setting up a payment plan to manage the cost. Pensioners may also find themselves eligible for a council tax reduction. If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you could get a 100% discount. If not, you could still get help if you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings. And a pensioner who lives alone will be entitled to a 25% discount too. Again, to claim this, you will need to contact your local council. WHAT IF I DON'T LIVE IN LEEDS The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England. For example, North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers worth up to £100 to those in need. And, families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500. Meanwhile, Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund is worth £200. Hartlepool council is also distributing £100 food vouchers to all children eligible for free school meals aged between two and 19. But even if you don't live in these areas but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help. This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable. What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers. It's worth bearing in mind, because the new round of the HSF has only just opened, you might not be able to apply for help yet. However, it's worth keeping an eye on your local council's website or social media channels. Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date. Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Thousands of households to be handed supermarket vouchers worth up to £150 in DAYS – are you eligible?
CASH-STRAPPED families in Camden are in line for free supermarket vouchers worth up to £150 per child this year — and payments start landing in DAYS. The support comes from the latest round of the Household Support Fund (HSF), which has been extended until March 2026 to help struggling Brits cover essentials like food and energy. Advertisement 1 Cash-strapped families in Camden are in line for free supermarket vouchers Credit: Alamy Under the scheme, families who get Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support — and have kids up to age 18 — can get vouchers three times a year to help cover food costs during term time. You'll get: £45 per child in February (Spring term) £60 in May (Summer term) £45 in September (Autumn term) That adds up to a whopping £150 per child, per year — and households with more than one child could be hundreds of pounds better off. But there's a catch — your child must be registered for free school meals, even if you already get benefits like Universal Credit or Tax Credits. Advertisement So if you haven't signed them up yet, now's the time. The scheme is aimed at helping struggling families keep food on the table without falling further into debt. And it's not just food support on offer. Low-income pensioners in Camden are also in line for a £300 Post Office voucher to help with heating, food and other bills this winter — no application needed. Advertisement There's more help available too. Residents can apply for an emergency payment of up to £500 if they're in serious financial difficulty and can't afford essentials. That's also funded by the HSF, but you'll need to register for Camden's Money Advice Service first. Once signed up, you can apply for both the emergency cash and vouchers — but only one application at a time. Advertisement To apply or find out more, visit or call 020 7974 4444. Not in Camden? You could still be eligible. The government has dished out £742million in HSF funding across councils in England — so check your local council's website for updates. That means you may be able to claim free cash, supermarket vouchers or energy support from your local authority. Advertisement Check your council's website for updates as more HSF schemes open up. Recently, households in Redcar & Cleveland have also been urged to apply for support worth £230. Whilst, those living in Worcestershire could be entitled to get up to £500 in cost of living help through the fund. Other help you can claim If you're not eligible for the Household Support Fund, you might qualify for other forms of help to cover energy bills or food. Advertisement Support may vary depending on your local council – so even if you don't live in Cheshire East, it's worth checking what's on offer in your area. Several energy firms offer grants to households who are struggling to pay their energy bills worth up to £2,000. This includes British Gas, Octopus Energy and EDF. New parents might also be eligible for free food worth up to £442 a year to cover the cost of healthy food and milk via the Healthy Start scheme. Advertisement Or, you can get an emergency food parcel from a Trussell Trust food bank. You can find your nearest via To get a food parcel, you need a voucher from a community organisation like Citizens Advice or your GP. You can then exchange this voucher for a food parcel at the food bank. It's also worth checking if you're eligible for benefits if you haven't already - billions of pounds' worth is going unclaimed, according to Policy in Practice. Advertisement
