Latest news with #DLA
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DWP giving people of state pension age with back pain up to £441 every month
Attendance Allowance is awarded to people over state pension age who need extra help or supervision because of a disability of illness - see who is eligible below People of state pension age with back pain could be due up to £441 each month. Latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show 74,804 people are claiming Attendance Allowance for back pain. Attendance Allowance is awarded to people over state pension age who need extra help or supervision because of a disability of illness. You could also be eligible if everyday tasks take you a long time, or cause you pain or discomfort. You may qualify if you have a physical disability, mental disability, or both, and your condition means you have needed help for at least six months. Attendance Allowance is worth £73.90 a week if you need help or supervision during the day, or supervision at night, or £110.40 a week if you need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or if you're nearing the end of your life. It is paid every four weeks, which means you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period. You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to be eligible for Attendance Allowance. For example, you could choose to spend the money on taxis or a cleaner, to keep you independent. However, you do need to let the DWP know if your circumstances have changed, as it could affect how much Attendance Allowance you get. Attendance Allowance is not a means-tested benefit there is no limit on how much money you can have in savings. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the benefit cap. In fact, other benefits you already get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance. You won't be able to Attendance Allowance if you already get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Attendance Allowance has been replaced in Scotland with Pension Age Disability Payment. Attendance Allowance - how to claim You can claim Attendance Allowance by either printing off and sending the Attendance Allowance claim form to: Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance. You can also call the Attendance Allowance helpline to request a claim form using the following numbers: Telephone: 0800 731 0122 Textphone: 0800 731 0317 Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0122 British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service When filling out the form, you'll need to explain how your illness or disability affects your life. You'll also need to provide supporting information, such as GP letters, your care plans, or prescription lists. Some people are asked to attend an assessment before being awarded Attendance Allowance. If you're terminally ill, you can make a claim straight away and you'll be awarded the higher rate.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Special tariff that can drop broadband bill to under £20
Broadband customers could save a significant amount on their monthly bills by checking if they could qualify for a social tariff with their provider - here's how you can check Broadband users looking to lower their monthly bills may not be aware that they can switch providers 50 days before their current contract ends without suffering any early termination charges. And some customers might be eligible for a social tariff with their existing provider, potentially reducing the monthly fee to less than £20. For example, Virgin Media, offers one at £12.50. At present, more than 30 broadband social tariffs are available from providers nationwide, meaning a quick call to your supplier could significantly cut your bill before the next payment is due. The full list can be found on the Ofcom website here, reports the Daily Record. The simplest way to find out if you're eligible for a cheaper broadband package is to contact your provider. If you're currently receiving benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Income Support, refer to the guide at the end of this article to see which providers consider these benefits in their eligibility criteria - this applies to individuals of all ages. Despite this, the uptake of social tariffs remains low, with only 5.1 per cent of qualifying households claiming them, suggesting that an estimated four million are missing out. Social Tariffs A social tariff could potentially save you around £200 annually. The most straightforward way to determine your eligibility for a social tariff is to directly contact your supplier and ask - even if you don't qualify, they might suggest other methods to lower your broadband bill. A new system introduced in 2022 simplifies the process for broadband providers to verify eligibility by accessing a special Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) IT system - with the claimant's consent. The DWP's system can confirm entitlement for the following benefits: Universal Credit Pension Credit Income Support Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance Income-Related Employment Support Allowance Broadband benefits and social tariffs The providers mentioned below are from Ofcom's latest guidance on social tariff broadband packages. Direct links to the broadband provider websites can be found here. PIP Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM Vodafone - UK Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Vodafone - UK Income Support BT - UK EE Basic (Now offered through BT) - UK 4th Utility - UK Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM NOW Broadband - UK Sky Broadband - UK Virgin Media - UK Vodafone - UK Jobseeker's allowance BT - UK EE Basic (Now offered through BT) - UK 4th Utility - UK Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM NOW Broadband - UK Sky Broadband - UK Virgin Media - UK Vodafone - UK Employment and support allowance BT - UK EE Basic (Now offered through BT) - UK 4th Utility - UK Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM NOW Broadband - UK Sky Broadband - UK Virgin Media - UK Vodafone - UK Care Leaver's Support Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM Housing Benefit Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales Reduced Earnings Allowance Vodafone - UK Universal Credit BT - UK EE Basic (Now offered through BT - UK 4th Utility - UK Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM NOW Broadband - UK Sky Broadband - UK Virgin Media - UK Vodafone - UK Pension Credit BT - UK EE Basic (Now offered through BT) - UK 4th Utility - UK Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM NOW Broadband - UK Sky Broadband - UK Virgin Media - UK Vodafone - UK Attendance Allowance Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP, Universal Credit and other money changes for benefits and bills for the coming weeks
DWP, Universal Credit and other money changes for benefits and bills for the coming weeks Here are all the key dates to keep an eye out over the next month. What changes are coming in to benefit and pension payments across July? (Image: PA ) When it comes to money, I think it is fair to say that it is something that confuses us all. With the cost of living, inflation and everchanging benefit cuts there's no wonder why it is hard to get our head around things. Over the next month we will see more changes again to our big financial decisions, including new energy price caps as well as the end of the mortgage guarantee scheme. You may be wondering, how will these various changes impact me and what support can I have? Here are some things to look out for over the next month and some key dates to add to the diary. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here . Universal Credit changes Those who receive tax credits, income support, jobseeker's allowance, and housing benefits should have already received notice about moving over to Universal Credit. This is part of the DWP's aim to migrate all 'legacy benefits' to Universal Credit by January 2026. It is an uncertain time for those who are concerned about Labour's planned changes to the welfare system, as it will see £5 million in cuts which will impact people across the country. You can read more about these changes here. Thankfully, we still have some time before these plans come into effect as rates for Universal Credit will change in April 2026. This change will see those who are receiving the benefit's standard allowance have a one-off above inflation rise by £7 a week, taking it from £91 to £98. Article continues below This comes after April 2025's announcement that all benefits were uprated by 1.7 per cent, matching the September 2024 inflation figure. This applied to all working-age benefits, including universal credit, PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, carer's allowance, ESA and more. Is the Energy Price Cap going up? Every 3 months OFGEM review and set a level for much energy suppliers can charge for each unit of energy and daily standing charge under the price cap. The energy price cap for the third quarter of the year will come into effect on 1 July. This will then run until 30 September 2025. They have said that "the price for energy for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit will go down by 7% to £1,720 per year. For a typical household, this will reduce their energy bills by £11 a month." You can read more about OFGEM's announcement here. It's also worth mentioning that there isn't actually an absolute cap on what you can pay for energy. What the Ofgem price cap does is set a limit on the charges per unit and standing charges. Key dates to make note of: State pension payments The basic state pension is usually paid every four weeks straight in to your bank accounts. The exact day you receive it will correspond with the last two digits of your national insurance (NI) number. Here's when you should be paid based on those numbers: 00 to 19: Monday 20 to 39: Tuesday 40 to 59: Wednesday 60 to 79: Thursday 80 to 99: Friday June 30 - take an energy meter reading The Ofgem energy price cap is slated to drop by 7% from July, bringing the average annual bill down from £1,849 to £1,720. It's advisable to take a meter reading around June 30 to avoid being inadvertently charged at the higher rates. It's also worth mentioning that there isn't actually an absolute cap on what you can pay for energy. What the Ofgem price cap does is set a limit on the charges per unit and standing charges. June 30 - RTS switch off There are still approximately 300,000 radio teleswitch service (RTS) meters in households - but these will be deactivated on June 30. If you possess one of these meters, it's necessary to upgrade to a smart meter or risk having your heating permanently switched off - or perpetually stuck on. June 30 - end of the mortgage guarantee scheme The mortgage guarantee scheme, established in 2021, enables first-time buyers to secure a mortgage with a 5% deposit, with the Government pledging to cover some costs if your lender incurs losses. This scheme will conclude on June 30. 1 July - New energy price cap The energy price cap for the third quarter of the year will come into effect on 1 July. This will then run until 30 September 2025. It's also worth mentioning that there isn't actually an absolute cap on what you can pay for energy. What the Ofgem price cap does is set a limit on the charges per unit and standing charges. 31 July - Second payment on account By the end of July, those who are self-employed will need to make their second and final payment on account for the 2024-2025 tax year. You can find more information on this on the website here. These payments are calculated based on your estimated earnings, so the amount you earned the previous year. If you ended up earning more than estimated, you may still have tax to pay on top of your payments on account. This is known as a 'balancing payment'. If you earn less than estimated, you may be able to claim a tax refund. Benefit payment dates in July Benefit payments will be made as usual in July, with no changes to the schedule since there are no bank holidays. These include: Personal independence payment (PIP) Attendance allowance Carer's allowance Employment support allowance Income support Jobseeker's allowance Universal Credit State pension Pension credit Child benefit Disability living allowance Article continues below For more information on financial support and Universal Credit you can visit the website here.
Wales Online
19-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP announces 13-week PIP rule ahead of benefits shake-up
DWP announces 13-week PIP rule ahead of benefits shake-up The DWP has announced a 13-week transitional protection period for benefit claimants 'This will give people peace of mind' (Image: Media Wales Ltd. ) The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced measures to temporarily safeguard benefit payments for those impacted by the upcoming amendments to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme. Under the new Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, claimants facing changes will experience a 13-week grace period before their PIP funds are stopped. This temporary provision extends particularly to current beneficiaries whose PIP daily living component is modified, influencing their eligibility for Carer's Allowance and the carer element within Universal Credit. According to the DWP, this provisional cover significantly surpasses previous measures, offering over three times the duration of secure payment transitioning from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here Previously, DLA served as the principal disability aid before PIP took its place. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced in the House of Commons in March, the proposal to change PIP under the initiative to trim the benefits bill by billions, reports the Liverpool Echo. Current data from the DWP illustrates that there are around 3.7 million PIP claimants across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, noting the replacement of PIP with the Adult Disability Payment in Scotland. Liz Kendall commented on the pressing need for reform: "Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it. Article continues below "This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity. "This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot - putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change." Thomas Lawson, CEO of anti-poverty charity Turn2us, commented: "There is no moral justification for cutting the support that allows sick and disabled people to meet their basic needs, live independently, and fully take part in society. "The positive plans of the government's longer-term reforms are being undermined by these harmful Treasury-driven cuts. Stripping away support will push people deeper into hardship, not employment. It will worsen health conditions, and make recovery harder." What is PIP? PIP, or Personal Independence Payment, is a benefit designed to assist individuals who require additional help with everyday activities due to an illness, disability, or mental health condition. However, eligibility for PIP does not hinge on the condition itself but rather on the impact it has on your life. Typically, you must undergo an assessment using a points-based system before your PIP claim is accepted. If your application is approved, you'll receive PIP for a set period before it's reviewed. PIP can be awarded for a minimum of nine months, or up to an "ongoing" award, which gets reviewed every decade. For individuals who are terminally ill, the duration of the award is three years. PIP consists of two components: the daily living component and the mobility component. What is the current process for PIP assessment? Your PIP assessment can take place face-to-face, over the phone, or via video call. During the evaluation, a health professional might request that you perform simple tasks or answer questions to assess your cognitive abilities. Throughout your evaluation, points will be assigned to you for the daily living and mobility segments of PIP. If your score for daily living needs in the PIP test falls between eight and 11 points, you'll secure the standard rate for the daily living part. A score of 12 points or above qualifies you for the higher rate of the daily living component. You're entitled to the standard rate for the mobility part if you tally between eight to 11 points for mobility needs. Accumulating 12 points or more means receiving the elevated rate of the mobility component. Those diagnosed with terminal illnesses are exempt from undergoing a PIP medical evaluation. How is PIP changing? Earlier this year, the Labour Party revealed proposals to tighten the criteria for PIP eligibility and confirmed the assessment procedure would undergo scrutiny as well. Upcoming alterations mean that to be eligible for the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from November 2026, a minimum of four points in at least one activity will be necessary. At present, PIP eligibility can be met with lower scores across multiple tasks. This adjustment signifies claimants must demonstrate more significant challenges in activities like washing, eating, and dressing to qualify for PIP. No changes are being proposed for the PIP mobility component. The bulk of PIP assessments will shift to in-person rather than remote via telephone or video. "Reasonable adjustments" will remain for those unable to attend in-person evaluations. Persons with enduring or deteriorating health issues won't require reevaluation under the new strategy, although others could face more regular reassessments. Eligibility for exemption from reassessment due to certain conditions won't be predetermined but rather assessed individually. Article continues below What is the value of PIP? A lower rate of £73.90 weekly or a higher rate of £110.40 weekly can be expected for the daily living allowance. Meanwhile, the mobility allowance can net £29.20 weekly at the lower rate or £77.05 weekly at the higher rate. As PIP payments occur every four weeks, maximum rates for both daily living and mobility components would equate to £749.80 per payment period.
Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP confirms new 13-week PIP rule ahead of major benefit shake-up
A new 13-week transitional period before payments are stopped has been revealed as part of the new Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed benefit claimants affected by proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will have their payments temporarily protected. A new 13-week transitional period before payments are stopped has been revealed as part of the new Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, details of which have been released today. The additional protection will apply to existing claimants affected by changes to the PIP daily living component, including those who their lose eligibility to Carers Allowance and the carer's element of Universal Credit. The DWP says this transitional cover is more than three times the length of protection provided from the switch to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP. DLA used to be the main disability benefit in the UK until it was largely replaced by PIP. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall first announced proposals to change PIP in the House of Commons in March this year, as part of wider measures to reduce the benefits bill by billions of pounds. Latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show 3.7 million people currently claim PIP in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. PIP has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment in Scotland. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it. "This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity. "This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot - putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change.' Thomas Lawson, CEO of anti-poverty charity Turn2us, said: "There is no moral justification for cutting the support that allows sick and disabled people to meet their basic needs, live independently, and fully take part in society. "The positive plans of the government's longer-term reforms are being undermined by these harmful Treasury-driven cuts. Stripping away support will push people deeper into hardship, not employment. It will worsen health conditions, and make recovery harder." What is PIP? PIP is a disability benefit for people who need extra help with day-to-day tasks due to an illness, disability or mental health condition. But your eligibility to PIP isn't based on your condition - instead, it is based on how it affects your life. You will normally have to undergo an assessment where you are assessed with a points system before your claim for PIP is approved. If your claim is successful, you'll get PIP for a fixed amount of time before it is reviewed. PIP can be awarded for a minimum of nine months, all the way up to an 'on-going' award which is reviewed every ten years. If you're terminally ill the award will be for three years. PIP comes in two parts - the daily living component, and the mobility component. How is PIP currently assessed? Your PIP assessment can take place in person, over the phone or by video call. During your assessment, a health professional may ask you to do simple movements, or ask you questions to test your cognitive ability. During your assessment, you'll be awarded points for the daily living and mobility parts of PIP. If you score between eight and 11 points for your daily living needs in the PIP test, you get the standard rate of the daily living component. You get the higher rate of daily living component if you score 12 points or more. If you score between eight and 11 points for your mobility needs, you get the standard rate of the mobility component. If you score 12 points or more, you get the higher rate of mobility component. Those who are terminally ill won't need a PIP medical assessment. How is PIP changing? Earlier this year, Labour announced plans to tighten PIP eligibility rules and confirmed the assessment process will also be reviewed. The changes would mean you would need a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living element of PIP from November 2026. Currently, you can qualify for PIP if you have lower scores across a range of tasks. This means claimants would need to show greater difficulty when completing some tasks, such as washing, eating and getting dressed, to be eligible to claim PIP. There are no changes planned for the PIP mobility component. The majority of assessments for PIP will also be conducted face-to-face, rather than over the phone or through video. "Reasonable adjustments" will still be made for people who cannot attend a face-to-face assessment. People with health conditions that are permanent or will get worse will not have to be reassessed under the new plans - but other claimants could face more frequent reassessments. There will not be a set list of conditions that will be eligible for this, and it will decided on a case-by-case basis. How much is PIP? The daily living rate is worth £73.90 a week if you're awarded the lower rate, or £110.40 a week for the higher rate. The mobility rate is worth £29.20 a week for the lower rate, or £77.05 a week for the higher rate. PIP is paid every four weeks, so if you're awarded the maximum rates for both the daily living and mobility elements, then you would get £749.80 every four weeks.
