Latest news with #PensionCredit
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
BBC TV licence fee slashed to £0 for people born in specific years
You need a TV licence if you watch or record live TV, or if you watch anything on BBC iPlayer - but state pensioners who are over the age of 75 and get Pension Credit don't have to pay for a TV licence Anyone living in the UK who is over the age of 75 and claims Pension Credit can get a TV licence for free. This means anyone born in 1950 could become eligible for a free TV licence this year. The price of a TV licence is now £174.50. You need a TV licence if you watch or record live TV, or if you watch anything - whether it is live, or catch-up - on BBC iPlayer. You don't need a TV licence if you only watch shows on catch-up using streaming services that aren't BBC iPlayer. This includes Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5 - then you don't need a TV licence. However, you would need a TV licence if you're tuning into live shows through these services. The penalty for watching TV without a licence is up to £1,000, or £2,000 in Guernsey. Pension Credit - what you need to know Pension Credit boosts your weekly income and, as well as a free TV licence for over-75s, also unlocks other financial help, such as free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses or contact lenses. The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,900 each year - but an estimated 800,000 people are missing out on this benefit. The main part of Pension Credit is known as "Guarantee Credit" and this tops up your weekly income to £227.10 if you're single, or to £346.60 if you're in a couple. Your income normally needs to be below these amounts to be eligible, but you might still be able to claim if you have a higher income and you have a severe disability, you're a carer, or you have to housing costs. You can be entitled to extra amounts if you're a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. If you reached state pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have savings or a second pension, you may be eligible for the savings credit element of Pension Credit. This is worth £17.30 a week if you're single, or £19.36 a week if you're in a couple. You can apply for Pension Credit on by calling 0800 99 1234, or by printing out and filling in a paper application form. You can apply up to 4 months before you reach state pension age. You will need the following information: Your National Insurance number Information about any income, savings and investments you have Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually three months ago or the date you reached state pension age) Your bank, building society or credit union account details
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Benefit you've never heard of worth £500 for new mums
Plus we share more benefits for new parents OH BABY Benefit you've never heard of worth £500 for new mums – how to claim NEW mums could be missing out on a benefit worth £500. The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a scheme which offers a one-off payment to those expecting their first child or having multiple births such as twins. Advertisement 1 The grant is available to new parents of those expecting twins Credit: Getty Images The money is designed to help you cover the cost of caring for a newborn. The amount you receive can also vary depending on how many babies you are carrying, with parents expecting triplets eligible for £1,000. To qualify for the support, you or your partner must be claiming certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit or Income Support. You must also have no other children under the age of 16, unless you are expecting multiple births. Advertisement Other exceptions include caring for someone else's child and the infant was over 12 months old when the arrangement started. This does include caring for your partner's child. You may also be able to get a grant if you're adopting or becoming a surrogate parent. The baby must be less than 1 year old on the date you claim and you must be claiming benefits to qualify. Advertisement You don't have to pay the grant back and it does not impact your other benefits or tax credits. If you are thinking about applying, you must claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby's due date or within 6 months after the baby's birth. Carer Support Payment: New benefit for unpaid Scots How to apply To apply for the support via post, you will need to fill out a Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form. This form needs to be printed off and then posted to 'Freepost DWP SSMG'. You do not need a postcode or a stamp. Advertisement You also need to provide evidence of the pregnancy or childbirth from a health professional, such as a doctor or midwife. They can either fill in a form MAT B1, which they should already have a copy of or write a statement confirming the pregnancy or childbirth. You will get a letter about whether your claim is successful within 28 days. But if you've recently made a new Universal Credit claim, it could take longer. Advertisement What help is available for parents? CHILDCARE can be a costly business. Here is how you can get help. 30 hours free childcare - Parents of three and four-year-olds can apply for 30 hours free childcare a week. To qualify you must usually work at least 16 hours a week at the national living or minimum wage and earn less than £100,000 a year. Parents of three and four-year-olds can apply for 30 hours free childcare a week. To qualify you must usually work at least 16 hours a week at the national living or minimum wage and earn less than £100,000 a year. Tax credits - For children under 20, some families can get help with childcare costs. For children under 20, some families can get help with childcare costs. Childcare vouchers - If your employer offers childcare vouchers you can get up to £55 a week in tax and national insurance savings. You pay for your childcare before your tax contributions are taken out. This scheme is open to new joiners until October 4, 2018, when it is planned that tax-free childcare will replace the vouchers. If your employer offers childcare vouchers you can get up to £55 a week in tax and national insurance savings. You pay for your childcare before your tax contributions are taken out. This scheme is open to new joiners until October 4, 2018, when it is planned that tax-free childcare will replace the vouchers. Tax-free childcare - Available to working families and the self-employed, for every £8 you put in the government will add an extra £2.
Scotsman
4 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Scottish Government confirms Winter Heating Payments for pensioners
The Scottish government has confirmed that it will provide Pension Age Winter Heating Payments to pensioner households from 2025/26 onwards, providing a vital lifeline to older and disabled people facing rising energy costs. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Pensioners already receiving qualifying benefits such as Pension Credit will receive the payment. The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is the Scottish Government's new scheme, which will replace the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners from 2025/26. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This is different from the Winter Heating Payment, a separate benefit that replaced the Cold Weather Payment in Scotland and provides automatic support to low-income households during the winter months. Older lady looking out the window Amelia from the Bathing Mobility Advisory Service (BMAS) comments: 'The government's continuation of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment highlights how vital this support is for older people, especially those with mobility issues or health conditions. 'Without this support, many older people may feel forced to stay at home in cold conditions, risking their physical and mental health. The emergence of warm hubs in libraries, churches, and community centres is a welcome step towards tackling social isolation. However, these hubs are no substitute for ensuring that older people can afford to heat their own homes. 'With the cost of living and energy prices rising, the payment provides more than just financial relief; it offers peace of mind, independence, and the ability to stay connected to their communities. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Older people are more likely to live alone and face mobility challenges, so maintaining warm, safe, and connected environments is vital. The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment should be seen as an essential lifeline for vulnerable groups not only to manage bills but to safeguard health and well-being during the colder months. 'The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment gives people a sense of independence and peace of mind during the bitter winter months when they may not venture out as much. Without this payment, some older people may just sit in a chair with a blanket without putting the heating on all day, which is truly shocking. Amelia from BMAS concludes, 'It is important that there is a joined-up approach to caring for our older population. The introduction of 'warm hubs' in libraries, churches and community-run coffee shops is a positive step forward in helping people feel connected within their communities and removing those barriers.' How to Apply for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment Support Automatic Payment for Benefit Recipients Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The good news is that the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is sent out through an automatic payment alongside other payments such as the state pension and other benefits such as Pension Credit. Find Your Nearest Warm Hub 'If you or your loved one find yourself in a cold home this coming winter there are many small businesses and council-run initiatives in the community that offer support, and most importantly a warm place to recuperate and have a cup of tea. You can find a list of them on the Warm Hubs website and your local council website.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Full list of 22 energy firms offering free £150 payout to millions of households
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of households with 22 suppliers are in line for £150 discounts on their energy bills. The Warm Home Discount is a one-off deduction on your electricity and sometimes gas bill. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Millions of households will get the Warm Home Discount this winter Credit: Getty The discount is usually applied automatically between October and March when households use more energy. It is issued to people in England, Wales and Scotland on certain means-tested benefits including Universal Credit. Not all firms are signed up to the scheme though, with a list of the 22 that are on the Government website. This is the full list of energy firms signed up to the Warm Home Discount scheme: 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK) British Gas/Scottish Gas E - also known as E (Gas and Electricity) Ecotricity Next EDF Fuse Energy Good Energy Home Energy London Power Octopus Energy Outfox the Market OVO Rebel Energy Sainsbury's Energy ScottishPower Shell Energy Retail So Energy Tomato Energy TruEnergy Utilita Utility Warehouse Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount scheme? There are different ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount scheme based on where you live. Households in England and Wales are eligible if they fit into two "core" groups. Core group one applies to households where someone receives the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. Core group two applies to households on the following benefits: Housing Benefit income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Income Support the "Savings Credit" part of Pension Credit Universal Credit How to cut energy costs and get help with FOUR key household bills You will need to have been claiming either the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or the other qualifying benefits on August 24 this year to be eligible for the Warm Home Discount in 2025/26. Households in Scotland are also bunched into two groups based on their circumstances. Those on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, known as "core group", get the £150 discount automatically applied. Other Scottish households in the "broader group" on certain means-tested benefits qualify for the discount but have to apply via their energy firm. Energy firms should tell you what benefits qualify you for the discount and may set extra criteria for you to meet as well. For the 2024/25 year, households in England, Wales or Scotland in core group two or the broader group had to live in a property with a high energy cost score as well be on benefits to qualify for the Warm Home Discount. However, this criteria has been scrapped for this winter meaning 2.7million more households will get it. You can still qualify for the Warm Home Discount if you have a prepayment meter. Your supplier will tell you how you'll get a discount. This might be a voucher you can use to top up your meter. If you qualify for the Warm Home Discount, you should receive a letter telling you. These are usually sent between October and January. OTHER ENERGY BILL HELP If you don't qualify for the Warm Home Discount you might be able to get help with energy bills through the Household Support Fund. The current round of the fund is worth £742million and has been shared between councils in England. They then have to distribute their share and set their own eligibility criteria on who can get help. You might be able to get free money direct into your bank account or vouchers to cover the cost of energy. If you've fallen into energy debt, you might be able to get a grant to wipe it clear through your energy firm too. British Gas and Octopus Energy, the UK's two biggest energy suppliers, both have schemes, as well as others. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for. 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
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Pensioners urged to check eligibility for DWP top-up benefit
The DWP estimates that around 760,000 pensioners qualify for the State Pension top-up but are not claiming it More than a million older adults in Great Britain are receiving Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit providing an average of £4,300 in additional support during the 2025/26 financial year. Yet, estimates indicate that approximately 760,000 pensioners are eligible but are not taking advantage of it. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing its awareness campaign this year, encouraging people to check their eligibility and submit a claim. Pensioners who are married with a combined weekly income under £346, or single pensioners earning less than £227.10, may be eligible for Pension Credit. There's a common misconception among some seniors that having savings or owning their home disqualifies them from means-tested benefits, which can help with housing costs, heating bills, and Council Tax. However, even an award of just £1 per week can make them eligible for additional support. The DWP recently confirmed that nearly 78% of new Pension Credit claims are processed within the target of 50 working days (10 weeks), from application to award letter. This indicates that older people with low incomes who make a new claim this month could receive their first payment and any back payments by July, according to the Daily Record. It is critical for all older people - whether they're single, married, or cohabiting - to ensure they are claiming all available financial support this year. This can help increase their income and ease the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Here's everything you need to know about the benefit. Understanding Pension Credit When you apply for Pension Credit, your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your combined income is taken into account. Pension Credit boosts: Your weekly income to £227.10 if you're single Your joint weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner Even if your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, care for someone, have savings, or have housing costs. What is considered income? Your income includes: Other pensions Earnings from employment and self-employment Most social security benefits, for example, Carer's Allowance State Pension What doesn't count as income? Not all benefits are counted as income. For example, the following are excluded: Social fund payments like Winter Fuel Allowance Housing Benefit Council Tax Reduction Adult Disability Payment Attendance Allowance DWP Christmas Bonus Child Benefit Disability Living Allowance Pension Age Disability Payment Personal Independence Payment Your savings If your savings and investments are £10,000 or less, they won't affect your Pension Credit. However, if you have more than £10,000, every extra £500 is treated as £1 of weekly income. For example, having £11,000 in savings equates to £2 of income per week. Where to check eligibility Anyone interested in making a Pension Credit claim can use the online calculator to assess their eligibility. This is available here. Pensioners can also ring the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim at 0800 99 1234. The helpline is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Help and advice are also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK More information about claiming Pension Credit can be found on here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice here
