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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
State pension payment changes for August as people told to 'be aware'
The DWP is making an early payment of state pension to some UK claimants in August - and it's important to be aware of the changes so that you're not caught off guard Certain pensioners are being alerted to unexpected payments landing in their bank accounts during August. According to the full new State Pension in the UK is £230.25 per week. However, the amount you receive can vary based on your National Insurance record - with the full amount normally needing 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions. However, it is now being warned that some state pension payments will be made at different times than usual. This change affecting individuals who are due to receive their pension payments on the Monday bank holiday of August 25. This comes after news that the state pension age could rise to 74 amid warning of UK 'tsunami of OAP poverty'. Instead, the cash should instead be paid earlier on Friday, August 22. Warning pensioners ahead of this payment so that they are not taken by surprise by the unusual timing, older individuals will also need to stretch their money further than usual until their next following payment date. Note that only those whose payments are due to fall on the bank holiday will be affected and that most everyone else should receive their money as usual. Households receiving benefits like Universal Credit and PIP will also be affected. Interestingly, the reason why these payments are moved forward is because the DWP does not process payments on bank holidays, therefore the nearest working day is most often picked, reports Birmingham Live. Money experts at Spencer Churchill said: "It's vital that pensioners and benefit claimants are aware of any changes to their payment dates, especially around bank holidays. Missing a payment due to a simple oversight can cause unnecessary stress, particularly for those living on a fixed income". Spencer added that "receiving your payment earlier might seem like a good thing, but it also means that you'll have to stretch that money further until the next instalment". Another significant change is that Labour has now confirmed there will be another review to discuss the state pension age. The last review was conducted by Baroness Neville-Rolfe in 2022. Benefits Consulting Leader at consultancy Gallagher, Mark Pemberthy, pointed out that the previous review referred to the possibility of further increases to the age threshold. He said: "The previous review of the state pension age in 2022 recommended that, on average, people should expect to receive the state pension for 31% of their adult life, and that the total cost of state pension related expenditure should be limited to 6% of GDP".
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Martin Lewis urges Brits to make two crucial checks on passports before going on holiday
The Money Saving Expert urged Brits to check their passports before going on holiday this summer as they could be turned away at the airport Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to Brits jetting off on their summer holidays to double-check two vital passport details. The Money Saving Expert recently featured on This Morning to outline the "essential" checks travellers must carry out before departure - as failing to do so could see you refused boarding at the gate, reports the Express. Martin stressed that holidaymakers need to scrutinise their passport's expiry dates, particularly focusing on its validity when you touch down in your destination country. Initially, Martin advised people to verify they have six months remaining on their passports, or three months if they're bound for European Union nations. He cautioned: "If you have less than six months left, you might still be okay, but then you need to go and check the individual countries requirements." The second verification is the "one that catches people out", Martin revealed. He mentioned frequently receiving correspondence from members of the public who claim they've been refused entry onto aircraft or rejected at immigration control. He said: "Is your passport under ten years old? So you could have more than six months left, but your passport be ten years old and you can get turned back." The Post Office highlighted that a passport's validity is equally crucial and fundamental as securing travel insurance or obtaining the correct foreign currency for your getaway. UK passports issued after 2018 remain valid for precisely ten years. But if your passport was issued before September 2018, it might be valid for up to ten years and nine months. This is because, before 2018, the passport office would add up to nine extra months from your old passport to your new one. The Post Office explained that this means some people have passports that haven't officially expired and are still valid for travel worldwide. However, the exception is travel in Europe, where passports must be less than ten years old. Martin urged people to check how old their passport is, not just how long is left on its validity. He said: "If your passport is more than ten years old on the day you arrive, you can be turned back for that as well. And it happens". To travel to Europe and Schengen countries, your passport must be issued less than ten years before your departure date for your holiday, and it must be valid for at least three months after your scheduled return. There are also a number of countries which don't require six months of passport validity, including Albania, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. You can check if your passport is valid or will be valid for your trip by visiting You will be able to search for the country you're visiting and its entry requirements.
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Iceland relaunches interest-free loans for customers to ease pressure during school holidays
The supermarket has already given out up to £12.5million in interest-free loans to 31,000 customers DEBT HELP Iceland relaunches interest-free loans for customers to ease pressure during school holidays Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ICELAND boss Richard Walker wants to help families "relax and make memories" this summer and not worry about food bills. The frozen food chain has relaunched its interest-free loan scheme for the fourth year in a row. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Mr Walker said: "The summer holidays should be a time for families to relax and make memories, not worry about how they're going to afford their next food shop." Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun Shoppers can borrow between £25 to £75 interest free in partnership with responsible lender Fair for You on Iceland's Food Club cards to online or in-store. Loans are repaid in £10 weekly instalments, and returning customers can borrow up to £100 once their first loan is repaid. Iceland said families will spend over £550million extra on food during the school holidays, with nearly three-quarters of parents facing higher costs because kids eat more at home. Extra snacks and drinks add further strain to budgets. Meanwhile, over a quarter of parents have turned to Buy Now, Pay Later schemes or loans to cover their grocery bills. Many even sell personal items to make ends meet. Mr Walker said: "The summer holidays should be a time for families to relax and make memories, not worry about how they're going to afford their next food shop. But the reality for millions is very different. "Our Food Club will be available this summer, offering real, practical support that helps people stock up their fridges and freezers without falling into debt traps." Applications for the Food Club are open now via Iceland has already given out up to £12.5million in interest-free loans to 31,000 customers. Four methods you can use to clear debt If you do borrow cash, be sure to factor in how you're going to repay it. Iceland has partnered with a dietitian to help families make the most of their £75 Food Club loan. They've created a budget-friendly shopping basket filled with healthy meals and snacks. For £75, a family of four can enjoy 126 balanced portions. For more information and to apply, visit: How to get free debt help There are several groups which can help you with your problem debts for free. Citizens Advice - 0800 144 8848 (England) / 0800 702 2020 (Wales) - 0800 144 8848 (England) / 0800 702 2020 (Wales) StepChange - 0800138 1111 - 0800138 1111 National Debtline - 0808 808 4000 - 0808 808 4000 Debt Advice Foundation - 0800 043 4050 You can also find information about Debt Management Plans (DMP) and Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVA) by visiting or Speak to one of these organisations - don't be tempted to use a claims management firm. They say they can write off lots of your debt in return for a large upfront fee. But there are other options where you don't need to pay. Meanwhile, inflation hit its highest level in nearly 18 months last month, driven by rising food prices. Rising inflation means prices are going up faster than they were the month before, pushing up grocery and household bills. Consumer Prices Index inflation rose to 3.6% in June, the highest since January 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics. Food prices have risen for the third month in a row, hitting their highest annual rate since February 2024. Inflation for food and non-alcoholic drinks increased to 4.5% in June, up slightly from 4.4% in May.
Business Recorder
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
UK launches eVisas for students, workers in Pakistan
Most students and workers applying for study or work-related UK visas for more than six months will no longer need a physical sticker visa in passports from today (July 15), as the UK has launched eVisas in Pakistan. This step will make the visa process simpler and safer, and you can hold on to your passport at the same time. As per the UK government website an eVisa is a digital proof of immigration status. It is an online record of a person's immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply, which can be viewed by creating and accessing an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. In a video on question/answer related to UK visas, UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott confirmed that the online facility is available only for the applicants seeking a study or work visa for longer than six months, for now. To a query, Marriott said the applicants will have to take the passport for scanning, but they will get it back the same day if they're applying for a study or a work visa. '…because on the 15th of July we're going digital,' she said. She said the online system was designed to make the process faster. 'No back and forth, less waiting, more time for pack,' she said. To a query pertaining to how to show the immigration officials about the visa approval, she said: 'So you can show you've got a visa because you'll get an email with your decision and an eVisa in your UKVI account. 'Show officials at the border using the 'view and proof' tool on The UK high commissioner said it would not affect one's immigration status. 'Same visa. Same right. Just less paperwork and who doesn't love less paperwork?' she stated. 'Create an account on the visa portal today. Apply early. Get your supporting documents ready and please always stick to the official source. Go to Gov. Uk/ evisa. See you in the UK,' she added. According to the UK's official website, e-Visas are being rolled out for the main applicants for:
South Wales Argus
27-06-2025
- South Wales Argus
UK Emergency alert message to be sent to mobiles in new test
The message will come as part of a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts system by the government and mobile network operators. Emergency alerts is a UK government service that warns people when there's a danger to life nearby. says: "In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe." Alerts will only be sent by emergency services, government departments, agencies and public bodies. How to avoid scams They will usually alert people to things like sever flooding, fires or extreme weather. Some people received emergency alerts from the UK and Scottish Governments back in January due to the red weather warning and strong winds associated with Storm Éowyn. While the last test of the service took place on April 23, 2023. An emergency alert was sent out to people across the UK and Northern Ireland in January due to Strom Eowyn. (Image: Rebecca Black/PA Wire) The last test alert read: "Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. 'In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. "Visit for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.' Emergency alert test returning in 2025 Following the successful test of the UK Emergency Alerts system in 2023, the government said it would carry out "occasional operator tests" to assess improvements made. The next national test is set to take place later this year (an exact date is yet to be revealed). Every mobile phone in the UK is set to receive a new emergency alert test message in 2025. (Image: Lauren Hurley/PA Wire) The website says: "You may get this alert if you have a phone that has operator test alerts turned on. "These operator tests are not alerting you of real danger. These alerts will always have 'operator' in the title and will confirm that no action is needed." What happens when you get an emergency alert? If you get an emergency alert, your mobile phone or tablet will: Make a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds Vibrate Read out the alert The alert will also include a phone number or a link to the website for more information. What does the alert look and sound like? 🚨 Emergency Alerts will appear on the home screen of your device and you will hear a loud siren-like sound and feel a vibration for up to 10 seconds. Watch the video below 📽️👇 — Cabinet Office (@cabinetofficeuk) March 19, 2023 Mobile phones that will receive the emergency alert Emergency alerts, according to the Government website, will only work on the following devices: iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later Other phones that do not run iOS or Android may also receive alerts. You may also still be able to receive alerts if operating on an earlier version of Android. To check, search your device settings for 'emergency alerts'. You will not receive an emergency alert message if your device is: Turned off Connected to a 2G or 3G network Wifi only Not compatible In airplane mode How to opt out of emergency alert tests If you do not wish to receive an emergency alert message as part of the national training, you can opt out. Android phones To stop receiving operator test alerts on Android devices, search your phone's settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'. If you cannot see them in your settings, the government recommends: Opening your phone's calling app Using the keypad to enter *#*#2627#*#* Search your settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts' RECOMMENDED READING: Other mobile phones Depending on the manufacturer and software version of your phone, emergency alert settings may be called different names, according to The settings can usually be found in one of the following ways. The government website says to go to: 'Message', then 'message settings, then 'wireless emergency alerts', then 'alert' 'Settings', then 'sounds', then 'advanced', then 'emergency broadcasts' 'Settings', then 'general settings', then 'emergency alerts' "Then turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'," it adds.
