Universal credit

THOUSANDS of pensioners will be able to apply for a winter cash boost worth up to £300 in just days.

More than nine million people are set to get the Winter Fuel Payment to help with their energy bills over the colder months.

1

Most people who are eligible will get the payment automatically, and will receive letters in the post from the DWP in October and November telling them how much cash they will receive.

However, certain pensioners will need to apply to get the benefit.

You can apply either by post or over the phone, and the DWP phone lines to make a claim open on October 13.

Postal applications opened earlier on September 15.

Pensioners have until March 31 2026 to make a claim.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said that anyone claiming the following benefits does not need to make a claim:

• State Pension
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Carer’s Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Income Support
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• awards from the War Pensions Scheme
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Incapacity Benefit
• Industrial Death Benefit

If you don’t receive any of these benefits, you’ll need to claim manually if you’ve not got the Winter Fuel Payment before, or if you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.

While the highest amount of free support is £300, the total will depend on when you were born and your circumstances on the qualifying week, which is between September 15 and 21 of this year.

Pensioners born before September 22, 1959, with an income of £35,000 or below will be eligible for between £100 and £300 to help towards heating bills.

Those hoping to receive the cash must be 66 by the end of the qualifying week.

You won’t be eligible for the payment if you earn more than £35,000 a year, and HMRC will claw back the automatic payment made to you through your tax code or tax return.

Your income can come from a range of factors including, your private pension and state benefits.

Other people who won’t be eligible include those who:

• live outside England and Wales
• were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
• need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
• were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025

The Winter Fuel Payment was axed for 10million pensioners last year, with only those on certain benefits qualifying.

But the government was forced to perform a U-turn after a huge public outcry, with the funding now being reinstated for millions.

The gov.uk website provides further guidance on the scheme and how to make a claim.

Pensioners are also being warned to be wary of text messages from scammers posing as the DWP, who try to get you to click on a fake link to make a claim.

These are not official DWP messages and should be deleted, the government has said.

The Winter Fuel Payment is separate from the Warm Home Discount, which offers struggling households £150 off their electricity bill.

The money is not paid to you, and households that are eligible will have the discount applied to their bill by their energy provider.

What energy bill help is available?

There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.

If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.

This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.

If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.

Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.

But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.

For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.

British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.

You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.

EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.

Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).

The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.

Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.

Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

A 20-YEAR-OLD mother has revealed how she really spends her Universal Credit payments. 

Skye Byrne, a young mum from the UK, claimed that not only has she treated herself to a holiday, but she even splashed the cash in Sainsbury’s on a huge homeware haul.

2

2

And as well as stocking up her daughter’s wardrobe, she also indulged with a McDonald’s takeaway.

Posting on social media, the content creator who lives in a council house, revealed a typical day in her life. 

She said: “What I spend in a day, UC Benefit Britain Edition.”

Skye kicked off her morning with a Universal Credit appointment and was quick to clap at trolls who have criticised her for booking a trip abroad.

She said: “For everyone that said, ‘you shouldn’t be going on holiday when you’re on UC,’ well, I told my work coach and she cried, she actually cried because she knows how much I’ve been wanting so badly to take my daughter on a holiday and she was so happy and thrilled for us, so, yeah, suck on that, everyone.”

Following this, Skye then headed to her local supermarket and stocked up on homeware buys and clothes for her daughter.

She added: “I went into Sainsbury’s and picked up these little bits and bobs for the house – I got three pillows and a blanket.”

As well as this, Skye also nabbed some tea towels and place mats, bringing her interior purchases to a total cost of £48.

However, Skye then picked up two pairs of £3.50 leggings and a pair of £7 jeggings for her child.

Following this, she also nabbed a pair of beige trousers and a PAW Patrol bottle, but was lost for words when she went to the till and saw the total cost of her haul.

The benefits recipient shared: “Honestly, I almost had a heart attack when I saw the price – this all came to £88, I was stunned.”

But the money spending clearly didn’t stop there, as Skye ended her day with a takeaway.

So glad my taxes are being spent wisely

TikTok user

Although Skye didn’t splurge masses on her fast food as it cost her just £2.99. 

“Then went into Maccas cause I was quite hungry, so I picked up a triple cheeseburger,” she concluded.

Social media users react

Skye’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @skyebyrnex, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 32,100 views. 

But social media users were fuming by how Skye spent her money and many raced to the comments to express this. 

One person said: “So glad my taxes are being spent wisely.” 

I am allowed a nice home for my daughter to live in. I’m also allowed to take my daughter on holidays and enjoy her childhood

Skye Byrne

Another added: “How can you afford to shop in Sainsbury’s on UC? I’m lucky if I can afford Primark nowadays.” 

A third commented: “Workshy and diet shy.”

To this, Skye responded and alongside a kiss emoji, cheekily wrote: “Don’t be jelly.” 

At the same time, one user questioned: “Isn’t UC designed to help you survive when you aren’t working? Not for pillows? And apparently a holiday.” 

In response, Skye shared: “1. I am allowed a nice home for my daughter to live in. 2. I’m also allowed to take my daughter on holidays and enjoy her childhood.” 

Meanwhile, someone else asked: “How on earth do you afford to go on holiday?”

Setting the record straight, Skye wrote back and confirmed: “I save. I make sure I can do these things for my daughter.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

TRADESPEOPLE are struggling to expand their businesses because of growing costs, bureaucracy and hiring pressures, a new study suggests.

A survey of 850 tradespeople working across the UK by Checkatrade showed they were eager to contribute to the Government’s plan for growth, but challenges were preventing them from doing so.

1

Four out of five of those surveyed said rising costs of materials and tools, plus increased levels of tool theft, were preventing them from growing their business.

A similar number blamed rising taxes, such as the increase in employer National Insurance Contributions.

In April the Government increased the rate of National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15%.

It also lowered the threshold at which employers start paying National Insurance from £9,100 to £5,000.

This has piled further pressure onto tradespeople already struggling to make ends meet.

Jambu Palaniappan, chief executive of Checkatrade, said: “The UK is a nation dependent on the trade industry — from carpenters to electricians, decorators to roofers.

“The 900,000 people behind it couldn’t be more important for propelling our economy.”

He said that the research shows how eager tradespeople are to contribute to the Government’s growth agenda.

As part of the plan the Government wants to improve the UK’s rate of economic growth and boost national productivity.

But while there is lots of optimism and significant opportunities for growth, there are still significant challenges tradespeople face.

Palaniappan said: “The Government needs to work with industry to close skills gaps, ensure apprenticeships work for small businesses, and do everything they can to reduce the burdens, the costs, and the taxes that can stifle tradespeople’s growth.”

What support is available?

If you are self-employed and are struggling with the higher cost of living, then there is support available to you.

Universal Credit

One way is to top up your income with Universal Credit.

You can apply if you need to top up your income and have low income and savings.

But you won’t be eligible if you live with a spouse or partner and have combined savings of more than £16,000 or your partner earns too much.

You can check if you are eligible and your claim is likely to be successful by using a benefits calculator.

Turn2us and Entitledto both offer calculators that can help you check whether you qualify.

You will need to attend a gateway interview with a DWP work coach so they can check that being self-employed is your main job.

They will also confirm if you are making a profit or are expected to if you’ve just started out.

This means you’ll need to provide evidence such as receipts, a business plan, copies of invoices, trading accounts or proof you’ve registered as self-employed with HMRC.

If you don’t have enough evidence, then they may decide that you’re not “gainfully” self-employed.

You will need to look and be eligible for other work while you get Universal Credit.

For more information and to apply visit the GOV.UK website.

Employment and Support Allowance

If you’re self-employed, then you can’t claim Statutory Sick Pay.

But if you’ve paid enough National Insurance, then you may be able to claim the new-style Employment and Support Allowance if you’re ill.

If you qualify for the benefit, then you can claim it regardless of your household income or savings.

But if you haven’t paid enough National Insurance, then you may be able to claim the limited capability for work and work-related activity element of Universal Credit.

To be eligible your savings must be less than £16,000.

If you live with a partner, then their income will also be taken into account as part of the claim for Universal Credit.

For information on if you qualify for Employment and Support Allowance and what to do if you don’t visit GOV.UK.

Cut your tax bill

You could be missing out on key tax allowances that could save you hundreds of pounds a year.

If you work from home, then you may be able to claim for costs associated with work, such as business phone calls, gas and electricity.

If you work from home between 51 and 100 hours a month, then you could get £18.

Meanwhile, if you work for more than 101 hours a month from home, then you could get £26 a month – or £312 a year.

If the amount of time you work from home varies month-to-month, then you can claim the relevant amount for that month.

To apply visit the GOV.UK website.

You may also be able to claim tax relief on your mileage if you drive a car or van for work.

You can claim 45p tax relief on every mile you do for the first 10,000 miles a year of business journeys.

If you travelled this distance in a year, you would get £4,500 in tax relief a year.

If you drive more than 10,000 miles, then you can claim 25p tax relief per mile.

You can also get an additional 5p per mile in relief if you carry a passenger.

You can log the number of miles you do and add reminders to report your mileage using apps including driversnote and Fuelio.

To use these apps just download them from the app store and create an account.

Read our helpful guide for more advice on how to cut your tax bill if you’re self-employed.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

MILLIONS of struggling households on Universal Credit could be missing out on discounted broadband worth up to £200.

Social tariffs are offered to those on Universal Credit and other government benefits such as Pension Credit.

1

And it can help you save hundreds of pounds a year compared to the standard deals.

Not only that, but they often come with no exit fees, although you should always check the terms and conditions carefully.

It comes after fresh analysis by Policy in Practice shows that there was over 7.5million missed claims for the tariffs.

And the average household is missing out on £200 a year.

It means you can get access to broadband at a discounted price, which can help if you are struggling with other costs.

For example, 4th Utility social tariffs offers a broadband for £13.99 a month.

Meanwhile, BT offers a Home Essentials package for those on Universal Credit and the guaranteed element of Pension Credit.

And those Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support can also apply.

You’ll need to provide some personal information when you apply, including your National Insurance Number, so we can check that you’re eligible.

Community Fibre also offers an essentials package that costs just £12.50 a month.

Meanwhile, EE also offers a £12 monthly sim deal, for those on claiming Universal Credit.

The group will ill carry out an eligibility check every 12 months to see if you still meet the criteria to get the discounted deal.

How to get the best deal

Like with any offer, it is worth shopping around to ensure you are getting the best deal.

The regulator Ofcom has a list on its website of all the firms offering social broadband and mobile phone tariffs.

The list can be found here – www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs.

It’s worth scanning the list to find the package that best suits your needs.

You can also compare deals via comparison sites like Uswitch.

What other support can I get

If you claim Universal Credit you could be missing out on extra support, such as discounts to your council tax bill.

The support is given out by local councils in England, so how much is cut will depend on where you live, your income, dependants and other benefits.

You can find out if you’re eligible by visiting gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction.

Households can also get access to free school meals, and school uniform grants which can be worth up to £300.

During the winter, claiming benefits such as Universal Credit can also make you eligible for the warm home discount scheme.

This is a £150 discount on your electricity bill to help tackle rising costs during the winter.

THE EXACT amount of money each pensioner will get as their Winter Fuel Payment this year has been confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions.

More than nine million people are set to receive the payment later this year.

4

4

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed eligible people born before September 22, 1959 will automatically receive the funds.

It comes after the previous £300 payment was axed for millions of pensioners last winter and only those on certain benefits qualified.

The move triggered a massive backlash for Labour as some 10 million pensioners lost their winter fuel allowance in the benefit cut.

It saved the Treasury just £1.4 billion but caused a massive public outcry – and the government was forced to perform a half baked U-turn.

The PM cracked under pressure after a voter backlash.

It’s now been revealed that this year’s payment will be between £100 and £300, to help cover the cost of higher heating bills this winter.

The money will become available to most eligible pensioners in November or December.

The amount is determined by both age and household circumstances of a claimant over the qualifying period, which is the week of September 15 to 21.

Where you were born is also a contributing factor.

Letters can be expected for those who qualify for it in England and Wales in October or November.

The letter will provide details on how much money you will be offered, as well as which bank account the payment will go into – which is usually the same as where you receive State Pensions or other benefits.

DWP guidance states: “You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible.

“If you do not get a letter but think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.”

People in Scotland will not get Winter Fuel Payment as the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced it.

This scheme follows similar eligibility criteria as outlined by the DWP, but will be issued automatically by Social Security Scotland from the end of November.

The GOV.UK website provides further guidance on the scheme and how to be a claim.

It also warns people to be wary about scammers who may send out trick messages that provide a link to click on and make a claim.

4

These are not official DWP messages and should be deleted.

So those eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment are people living in England and Wales born before September 22, 1959.

You will not be eligible if:

• you live outside England and Wales
• you were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of September 15-21, 2025 and the year before
• you need permission to enter the UK and granted leave says you cannot claim public funds
• you were in prison for the whole of the week of September 15-21

It is possible for people living in a care home to get the Winter Fuel Payment.

However, there are two factors that if combined mean you will not be eligible.

This is if you are on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Alloance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), whilst having lived in a care home during since June 23, 2025 or earlier.

If you live alone, or none of the people you live with are eligible for Winter Fuel Payment:

• you will get £200, if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• you will get £300, if you were born before September 22, 1945

If you live with someone else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment:

• £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 but the person you live with was born before September 22, 1945
• £200 if you were born before September 22, 1945 but the person you live with was born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £150 if you and the person you live with were born before September 22, 1945

Your payment will also be different if you are receiving other benefits payments.

• £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945

If you and a partner jointly claim any benefits, one of you will get a Winter Fuel Payment of:

• £200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945

The money will be paid into the bank account where benefits are usually paid into.

Care home residents that are eligible will get:

• £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £150 if you were born before September 22, 1945

Those with an income of more than £35,000 will have all of their Winter Fuel Payments returned by the HMRC, either through PAYE or submitting a Self Assessment tax return.

The DWP has said: “If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.”

It is also possible to opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment, either by completing an opt out form by September 14, or calling the helpline before 6pm on September 12.

4

HOUSEHOLDS on Universal Credit should be aware of one-off payments worth hundreds that could help cover emergency costs.

A budgeting advance is a type of payment given to those claiming the benefit to help with paying for items such as a broken cooker.

1

The advance is interest free, so you only have to pay back what you borrow. Usually you will be expected to pay the money back within 24 months.

You can apply for a budgeting advance to cover things like:

• A one-off item – for example, replacing a broken fridge
• Work-related expenses – for example, buying uniforms or tools
• Unexpected expenses
• Repairs to your home
• Travel expenses
• Maternity expenses
• Funeral expenses
• Moving costs or rent deposit
• Essential items, like clothes

How much you can get depends on a number of factors, with the lowest you can borrow £100. 

Meanwhile, single people could get up to £348, while those who live with a partner could get up to £464.

The highest reward is only eligible for people with children and that is worth £812.

But it is not always guaranteed that you will be accepted for the payment.

Firstly, you must have been claiming Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or State Pension Credit for six months or more.

There is an exception if you need the money to help start a new job or stay in employment.

You will not be eligible either if you have earned more than £2,600 in the past six months or £3,600 if you are in a couple.

You will also not qualify if you have not paid off any previous advance loans, as you can only have one at a time.

You can apply for a budgeting advance by calling the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

An advisor will then asses you can pay the loan back – they’ll see if you have any debts and how much you owe to help work this out.

The phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and you’ll normally get a decision on the same day.

Alternatively, you can apply through your online account or speak to your Jobcentre Plus work coach.

Paying the advance back

You have to pay any money you were given back, but you will not be charged interest.

The money will be taken out of your Universal Credit payments, and you will pay it back over two years, starting from your next payment.

So for example, if you get an advance of £240 and you pay this back over 24 months, £10 will be taken out of your payment each month until this is paid back.

If you cannot afford your advance repayments, you can ask for the amount you pay to be lowered.

You can call the Universal Credit helpline or contact the Jobcentre helpline.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.

THE Government has confirmed when it’s planning to bring in controversial new powers aimed at cracking down on benefits fraudsters.

Banks will be drafted in to help identify benefits cheats and convicted fraudsters could be stripped of their driving licences under the new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans.

1

New Government documents have revealed it’s planning to bring the measures under the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill in April 2026.

The DWP has said it will be the “biggest fraud crackdown in a generation”.

It’s estimated the new powers could save taxpayers £1.5billion over five years.

Last year, an estimated £7.4billion was lost to benefits fraud – around 2.8% of total welfare spending.

A further £1.6bn (0.6%) was overpaid due to unintentional errors by claimants, while £0.8bn (0.3%) was overpaid because of errors by the DWP.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been trying to boost the public purse after it was revealed she needs to plug a £50billion hole in public finances.

The new measures mean banks will help to identify customers who might have breached benefit eligibility rules, such as exceeding the £16,000 savings limit for Universal Credit.

They will share limited data with the DWP but can’t provide transaction details, so officials won’t be able to see how benefit claimants spend their money.

The DWP also won’t gain direct access to claimants’ bank accounts, but it will receive cases flagged for investigation.

Financial institutions face penalties if they overshare information beyond what’s permitted.

Airlines and other third-party organisations might also have to provide information to help detect benefit claims made from abroad that could violate eligibility rules.

According to the Government documents, any information “will not be shared on the presumption or suspicion that anyone is guilty of any offence”.

However officials will gain authority to recover money directly from fraudsters’ bank accounts.

As well as this, persistent benefit fraudsters who fail to repay their debts could face driving bans lasting up to two years.

DWP minister Liz Kendall has pledged to clamp down on benefit cheats, saying back in March: “The social security system that we inherited from the Conservatives is failing the very people that it is supposed to help and is holding our country back.

“The facts speak for themselves. One in 10 people of working age are now claiming a sickness or disability benefit. Almost one million young people are not in education, employment or training – one in eight of all our young people.”

The DWP has said it will have strong safeguards in place, including new inspection and reporting mechanisms.

DWP staff will also receive comprehensive training before using the new powers.

However campaign groups have warned the powers could invade claimants’ rights to financial privacy and it could also lead to legitimate claimants being wrongly investigated.

In a letter to Kendall last year, the directors of Big Brother Watch and Age UK described the plans as “mass financial surveillance powers” which they said would “represent a severe and disproportionate intrusion into the nation’s privacy”.

THOUSANDS on Universal Credit and 11 other benefits can expect early payments this month.

Benefits are paid into your bank or building society account earlier if your usual payment date falls on a bank holiday or the weekend.

1

The next bank holiday is on Monday, August 25, meaning if you’re expecting a payment on this date it will be made on August 22.

So, if you check your statement on August 22 and notice a surprise amount of money, it will likely be your benefit being issued earlier.

If you are paid earlier than usual this month, make sure the money stretches further as you will have to wait longer than normal to get your next payment.

Universal Credit and 11 other benefits are paid on the first working day before a bank holiday. The full list is:

Anyone paid one of the above 12 benefits on August 22 instead of August 23, 24 or 25, should receive the same amount as usual.

The only reason the payment amount might change is if you have had a change in your circumstances.

For example, if you are on Universal Credit and your earnings have increased, your payment might go down.

If you are expecting a payment on August 22 and don’t receive it, contact the DWP.

You can also submit a complaint to the Government department to get a problem sorted if your payment is wrong.

After August, there are two more bank holidays before the end of the year which could impact when you receive your benefits.

Here’s when DWP or HMRC will make your payments:

• December 25 – payments will be made on December 24 instead
• December 26 – payments will be made on December 24 instead

Upcoming changes to Universal Credit and PIP

Last month, the Government U-turned on its welfare bill meaning Brits on Universal Credit and PIP will see fewer changes.

Sir Keir Starmer had been hoping to push through reforms that would have seen some benefit claimants receiving less money.

The Government had planned to make major changes to the health element of Universal Credit.

A single person who is aged 25 or over can receive the basic level of the benefit, which comes in at £400.14 every month.

But those getting an incapacity top-up due to a disability or long-term condition can get an extra £423.37.

The new plans mean that anyone up to the age of 22 will not be able to claim the health element.

Ministers had also tried to freeze the payment for the next four years but a commitment was made for it to go up with inflation.

That means people claiming the health element of Universal Credit and new claimants with the most severe conditions will see their incomes protected in real terms.

Meanwhile, PIP claimants would have faced stricter tests to qualify for support. 

The Government had put forward that people would need to score four points in one task such as washing and dressing to qualify for support. 

Currently they can qualify with eight points across multiple activities.

The Government initially partially u-turned, saying the changes would come into effect in November 2026, but anyone claiming the benefit before this date would not be impacted.

However, following a rebellion from 47 MPs, the Government shelved the PIP plans entirely. You can find out more in our guide.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

MILLIONS receiving benefits are in line for one-off boosts to help ease the pain on budgets at certain pressure points over the coming months.

As long as you are claiming qualifying benefits, you could receive several cash injections before the end of the year,

1

Here are all the one-off payments on the cards…

Household Support Fund

You can get help with the cost of living through the Household Support Fund.

The pot is worth £421 million and distributed by local councils.

Each authority has different qualifying criteria and gives support in different ways and for different amounts.

It means that what you are able to apply for depends on where you live, as well as your financial situation.

The money is usually given as cash transfer or through shopping or food vouchers.

For example, in some parts of the country such as Portsmouth you can get as much as £1,000.

Whereas households in other areas including Doncaster may be more likely to get up to £300 to support with gas, electricity and food costs.

To find out, you’ll need to look what your council offers and apply directly.

DWP Christmas bonus

Thousands of households on benefits receive a tax-free £10 cash boost from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The tax-free £10 payment is paid to eligible households usually during the first full week of December.

To qualify for the payment you must be present or “ordinarily resident” in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar.

Households will also need to claim at least one of the 20 qualifying benefits within the same period.

The bonus is for those who receive Universal Credit plus mone of the qualifying benefits.

To claim your part of the Christmas cash, you’ll need to be claiming at least one of the following DWP’s benefits:

• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Child Disability Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
• Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
• Disability Living Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
• Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
• Mobility Supplement
• Pension Credit – the guarantee element
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
• Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
• Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
• War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
• War Widow’s Pension
• Widowed Mother’s Allowance
• Widowed Parent’s Allowance
• Widow’s Pension

If you’re part of a married couple, in a civil partnership or live together, you’ll both get the cash bonus – as long as you both are eligible.

If you or your partner do not get one of the above qualifying benefits, then they could still get the bonus if they are over the state pension age by the end of the qualifying week.

Winter Fuel payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is made every year to help cover the cost of energy over the colder months.

It has been changed in recent months so that fewer can claim.

However, the cash boost, worth up to £300, is still valuable for those who quality – particularly those on Pension Credit.

The cash is usually paid in November and December, with some made up until the end of January the following year.

If you haven’t got your payment by then, you need to call the office that pays your benefits.

Households eligible for the payment are usually told via a letter sent in October or November each year.

If you think you meet the criteria, but don’t automatically get the winter fuel payment, you will have to apply on the government’s website.

The Child Winter Heating Assistance

If you’re based in Scotland, you could receive a child winter heating assistance payment of £255.80. 

You get child winter heating payment for a child or young person under 19 who lives in Scotland and who is entitled to:

• the highest rate of the care component of child disability payment (CDP) or disability living allowance (DLA), or
• the enhanced rate of the daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) or personal independence payment (PIP).

They must be entitled to the relevant disability benefit during the ‘qualifying week’, which is the week beginning on the third Monday in September (w/c Septmber 15 in 2025).

You do not have to make a claim for the payment, but it should be paid by Social Security Scotland, usually in November. 

If you think you’re entitled but have not received payment by the end of December, you should contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.

Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount is an automatic £150 discount off energy bills.

As the money is a discount, there is no money paid to you, but you’ll get the payment automatically if your electricity supplier is part of the scheme and you qualify.

You’ll have to be in receipt of one of the following benefits to qualify for one of the payments:

If you don’t claim any of the above benefits, you won’t be eligible for the payment.

Cold Weather payment

Cold weather payments are dished out when temperatures are recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below, on average, for seven consecutive days between November 1 and March 31.

Eligible Brits are then given extra money to help heat their homes.

You get £25 for each seven-day period where the weather is below zero Celsius on average during this time frame.

You can check if your area has had a cold weather payment by popping your postcode into the government’s tool on its website.

You’ll need to be on certain benefits to qualify, which are:

• Pension credit
• Income support
• Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
• Income-related employment and support allowance
• Universal Credit
• Support for mortgage interest

Those in Scotland don’t get cold weather payments but may be able to receive a winter heating payment instead.

Student maintenance payments loans

Student maintenance loans are paid to university students to help cover living costs such as rent.

They are usually paid at the start of each new term, so you typically receive three payments a year.

 Maintenance Loans are paid straight into your student bank account in three (almost) equal instalments throughout the year.

The amount you will receive depends on where in the UK you’re from, whether you’ll be living at home or not, your household income and how long you’re studying for.

The average Maintenance Loan is approximately £6,116 a year.

A SIMPLE holiday error could see a host of benefits including Universal Credit and PIP stopped.

You may even have to pay back any overpaid money and in a worse case scenario an up to £5,000 penalty too.

1

Going abroad is classed as a change in circumstances which must be reported to the office that pays your benefits.

If you do not, it may be reduced or stopped and you could be told to pay back any overpaid amounts.

If you are found to have deliberately not reported going abroad, it is classed as benefit fraud and you could be taken to court or asked to pay a penalty of between £350 and £5,000.

However, at which point you have to report going abroad varies based on the benefit you are receiving.

For example, you don’t have to report going abroad if you’re on Attendance Allowance (AA) and going away for less than four weeks.

If you do need to report going abroad, you need to tell your local Jobcentre Plus or the office that pays your benefit.

This is the full list of benefits where you may have to report going abroad this summer:

• Universal Credit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• PIP
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
• Maternity Allowance
• Child Benefit
• Guardian’s Allowance

Here are the rules on reporting going abroad for the major benefits.

Universal Credit

If you’re on Universal Credit, you can stay abroad for one month and carry on receiving payments.

You still have to tell your work coach you’re going away and have to carry on meeting the conditions of your claim.

For example, if you are in the intensive work group and have to spend a minimum amount of hours per week looking for a job, you have to continue doing this.

There are exceptions to the one-month rule though – such as if a “close relative” dies while you are abroad and it is not deemed reasonable for you to return to the UK.

Meanwhile, you can carry on claiming Universal Credit for up to six months if you have gone abroad for medical treatment.

You can report going away on holiday by signing in via your Universal Credit account.

Jobseeker’s Allowance

If you are on New Style or income-based JSA you must report if you are leaving Great Britain for any length of time.

You can let the Government know you are going away by calling the JSA helpline on 0800 169 0310.

You can also write to the Jobcentre Plus office that pays your JSA.

You can find your nearest office by using its online branch locator.

PIP and DLA

You have to tell the DWP if you are on Personal Independence payments (PIP) Or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and going away for more than four weeks.

You have to tell the Government the date you are leaving the country, how long you are going away for and which country you plan to visit.

You also need to tell the DWP why you plan to go abroad.

You can call the Disability Service Centre on 0800 121 4433 to inform them you are going away if you are on PIP or DLA.

Attendance Allowance

Like with PIP and DLA, you have to tell the DWP if you plan to go abroad for more than four weeks and are on AA.

You can claim AA for up to 13 weeks while abroad, or 26 weeks if you’re going away for medical treatment.

Carer’s Allowance

If you are on Carer’s Allowance, you can go away for up to four weeks over a six-month period while still receiving the benefit.

But you still have to report this or risk having to pay back your entitlement or paying a fine.

You can report going away via the Government’s website or by calling the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297.

Pension Credit

You can claim Pension Credit for up to four weeks if you are abroad.

This is extended to eight weeks if the absence is due to the death of your partner or a child.

However, you still need to report going abroad.

You can do this via the Government’s website or by calling the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 731 0469.

Housing Benefit

You can usually only carry on claiming Housing Benefit for up to four weeks if you go abroad.

Like with Pension Credit, you can carry on receiving it for eight weeks if you have to go abroad because a close relative has died.

But you should contact the Benefits Service on 020 7364 5000 to let them know you’re going away.

You might also be able to via your local council’s website. You can find your local council by using the Government’s online locator tool.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

STRUGGLING households have just days left to apply for extra cost of living payments worth up to £1,000.

The cash is part of the Household Support Fund, which is a £742million fund distributed by councils in England.

1

Local authorities have until March 31, 2026, to allocate their share of the fund and can set their own eligibility criteria.

Some councils have already starting distributing their share through cash bank transfers and vouchers while some are yet to.

Residents in Portsmouth in financial hardship and who are struggling to afford essentials can apply for an exceptional hardship payment worth up to £1,000.

Those on Universal Credit and other benefits can apply but you don’t need to be.

However, the city is closing applications at 12 noon on June 12 so you’ll need to move quickly.

Applications may also close early if the funds have been used up.

You’ll need to provide evidence of your income and bank accounts.

You also need to tell what you’ve done to improve your financial situation and why you need help.

The exact amount you receive depends on household size -the maximum amount is for six or more of £800.

Whereas one person gets £350, two people £420, three people £500, four people 600, and five people £700.

Households deemed to be in the highest level of need can be awarded a further £200 taking total payments up to £1,000.

To apply, visit the portsmouth.gov.uk website.

Can I get help if I live outside Portsmouth?

Most likely, yes. However, it will depend on your circumstances and where you live.

For example, the City of Doncaster Council is giving out up to £300 payments to families on Universal Credit.

While households in Middlesbrough can get vouchers worth up to £120.

The Household Support Fund was set up to help households cover essentials such as energy or water bills and food costs.

But, each council can set its own eligibility criteria meaning whether you qualify for help is a postcode lottery.

That said, funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or struggling to pay for essentials.

So, if you are financially hard-up or on benefits, it is likely you will be able to get help.

It’s worth bearing in mind, any help you receive via the Household Support Fund won’t affect your benefit payments.

The type of help on offer varies from supermarket vouchers to direct cash payments into your bank account.

Some councils are allocating their share of the fund to community groups and charities who you have to get in touch with.

If you’re on benefits, have limited savings, or are struggling to cover food and energy bills, it’s worth seeing if you’re eligible for help.

Contact your local council and see if you have to apply or whether support is being distributed automatically.

You can find what council area you fall under by using the government’s council locator tool – www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

EXPECTANT parents or those with young children may be able to get free milk from shops and supermarkets, thanks to a health eating scheme.

The initiative also provides nourishing food for free including fruit, vegetables and pulses.

1

The NHS Healthy Start scheme is available to those expecting a baby or with children under four.

You’ll also need be on selected benefits such as Universal Credit.

If you’re eligible you could get up to £442 a year for essentials to feed your family.

The scheme also provides free vitamins to mothers and children.

Here’s what you need to know…

Can I use Healthy Start?

To be accepted for Healthy Start, you’ll need to be on one of the following benefits:

• Child Tax Credit (only if your family’s annual income is £16,190 or less
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit ( including the child addition)
• Universal Credit, if your family’s take-home pay is £408 or less per month from employment
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

However, if you’re under 18 and pregnant you can claim, even if you are not claiming any benefits.

How do I get the free food?

The funds to buy food is given through a prepaid card which can be used in any shop or supermarket that accepts Mastercard.

This includes major supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, as well as many smaller food shops.

The Healthy Start card is topped up every four weeks.

How much will I get?

You’ll get £4.25 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week, £8.50 each week for children from birth to one, and £4.25 each week for children between one and four.

This works out as up to £442 worth of free food over a year.

The scheme stops when your child is four, or if you no longer receive benefits.

What can I use the card to buy?

With the funds you can buy plain cow’s milk or baby formula milk

You can also be used to buy fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables, as well as fresh, dried, and tinned pulses.

You can also use the card to get free vitamin supplements.

These are tablets for women and drops for children.

How do I get the vitamins?

Women can get Healthy Start vitamin tablets while they’re pregnant and up to their child’s 1st birthday.

Children can have free Healthy Start vitamin drops from the age of four weeks until their 4th birthday.

Children who are having 500ml or more of formula a day do not need Healthy Start vitamins.

How do I apply?

Apply for the healthy start scheme online on the government website.

You can also print out a paper form from the Heathy Start website here or ask for one from your GP or midwife.

If you can’t apply online, or you need help applying, contact NHS Healthy Start on 0300 330 7010 or by emailing [email protected]

To apply, you will need to provide some basic details such as you name and address, plus your National Insurance number and benefit award letter.

THOUSANDS of households on Universal Credit will continue getting a huge pay rise in the coming days.

Benefit payment rates rose by 1.7% on April 7, in line with the consumer price index (CPI) level of inflation for September 2024.

1

It’s important to note that, although the new rates are now in effect, most people won’t see an increase in their payments until later this month or in June.

This is because those on Universal Credit have to wait a bit longer to receive the uprating because of how the benefit is assessed.

It means that the date you’ll receive the pay boost will depend on when your last assessment period was.

Universal Credit is paid monthly and is based on your circumstances each month.

This is called your “assessment period”, and it starts the day you make your claim.

The new Universal Credit rates will not come into effect until after the first full one-month assessment period, which starts on or after April 7.

Those whose assessment periods started after April 7 saw their benefits rise as early as May 13.

However, those whose assessment periods started before this date could be waiting until June 12 to receive the payment boost.

Here’s how your previous assessment period affects when you’ll get the payment boost:

• March 17 to April 16 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 21
• March 18 to April 17 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 22
• March 19 to April 18 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 23
• March 20 to April 19 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 24
• March 21 to April 20 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 25
• March 22 to April 21 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 26
• March 23 to April 22 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 27
• March 24 to April 23 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 28
• March 25 to April 24 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 29
• March 26 to April 25 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 30
• March 27 to April 26 – increase applied in May, you’ll get it in your payment on May 31
• March 28 to April 27 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 1
• March 29 to April 28 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 2
• March 30 to April 29 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 5
• March 31 to April 30 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 6
• April 1 to April 31 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 7
• April 2 to May 1 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 8
• April 3 to May 2 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 9
• April 4 to May 3 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 10
• April 5 to May 4 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 11
• April 6 to May 5 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 12

Here’s a full list of the new benefit rates for 2025-26 so you can check how much extra you might get.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit standard allowance (monthly)

• Single, under 25: £316.98 (up from £311.68)
• Single, 25 or over: £400.14 (up from £393.45)
• Joint claimants both under 25: £497.55 (up from £489.23)
• Joint claimants, one or both 25+: £628.10 (up from £617.60)

Extra amounts for children

• First child (born before April 6, 2017): £339 (up from £333.33)
• Child born after April 6, 2017 or subsequent children: £292.81 (up from £287.92)
• Disabled child (lower rate): £158.76 (up from £156.11)
• Disabled child (higher rate): £495.87 (up from £487.58)

Extra for limited capability for work

• Limited capability: £158.76 (up from £156.11)
• Work-related activity: £423.27 (up from £416.19)

Carer’s element

• Caring for a severely disabled person at least 35 hours a week: £201.68 (up from £198.31)

Work allowance increases

• Higher work allowance (no housing): £684 (up from £673)
• Lower work allowance (with housing): £411 (up from £404)

Everything you need to know about Universal Credit

SIR Keir Starmer yesterday told Labour rebels to fall into line over welfare cuts – as more than 100 of his own MPs are demanding a U-turn.

The PM insisted the system is “not working for anybody” and vowed to press ahead with slashing the health element of Universal Credit and tightening disability benefit rules.

2

2

Asked if he would soften the package, he said: “The argument for reform is overwhelming and that’s why we will get on and we will reform.”

It comes as furious MPs are urging him to delay the cuts and have slammed the lack of proper impact checks. 

In a blistering letter to the Chief Whip, they said: “We regret we are unable to support a Bill before this has taken place.”

If all the MPs who have signed the letter follow through and vote against the plans, it could wipe out Sir Keir’s majority and trigger the biggest rebellion of his leadership.

Such is the worry inside Labour, that a party source warned dissenting MPs they could be punished at the ballot box.

The source said: “There is only going to be so much money, time and resources at the next election. 

“How people behave now will make a difference to how those resources are allocated.”

It comes as some furious MPs are poised to rebel against Sir Keir because they think they’re toast at the next election.

Moderate backbenchers who have so far towed the party line are mulling taking a public stand on issues including disability benefit cuts, immigration and winter fuel payments – even if it means losing the whip.

There is also growing anger around the two-child benefit cap still being in place.

The Sun understands some MPs want to work “with a clear conscience” until the end of this parliament – knowing that they are unlikely to return because of the threat of Reform.

A Red Wall Labour MP said: “Multiple colleagues with slim majorities think they have no chance of winning their seat.

“They want to hold the PM to account on issues causing an uproar locally, including PIP payments, and think they have nothing to lose if they defy party whips going forward.”

Another Labour MP told The Sun: “The numbers willing to rebel are much higher than expected.

“I think people shouldn’t underestimate just how much welfare is a driver of why a lot of Labour MPs, particularly moderates, are in the Labour party in the first place.

“A lot of our politics was defined by the performative cruelty of the Osborne era, and that casts a long shadow.”

Over 150,000 on benefits will see their payments cut under Personal Independence Payments (PIP) changes, the DWP has confirmed.

The Government is shaking up the way PIP is assessed meaning hundreds of thousands will miss out from November 2026.

From late next year, new and existing PIP claimants being reassessed will have to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to receive the Daily Living Component.

It will see those unable to cook qualify, but not those who can use a microwave.

Likewise, assistance required to wash your lower body would not deem you eligible but your upper body would.

And, while requiring help to use the toilet meets the threshold, needing reminded to go would fall below it.

The higher rate of the Daily Living Component is currently worth £110.40 a week.

Claimants will also have to score at least eight points when being assessed.

The Government estimates this means by 2029/30 around 800,000 won’t receive the Daily Living Component of PIP.

But it has also confirmed 150,000 will be missing out on Carer’s Allowance or the Universal Credit Carer’s Element by 2029/30 too.

This is because to receive either of these carer’s benefits you have to be caring for someone who receives the Daily Living part of PIP.

It means new and existing PIP claimants finding they are no longer eligible will disqualify their carer’s from next November when the changes kick in.

OVER 150,000 on benefits will see their payments cut under Personal Independence Payments (PIP) changes, the DWP has confirmed.

The Government is shaking up the way PIP is assessed meaning hundreds of thousands will miss out from November 2026.

1

It comes as ministers look to cut the increasing welfare bill by clawing back billions of pounds of benefits.

But the changes will also have a knock-on effect on carers who qualify for benefits because they look after someone on PIP.

From late next year, new and existing PIP claimants being reassessed will have to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to receive the Daily Living Component.

The higher rate of the Daily Living Component is currently worth £110.40 a week.

Claimants will also have to score at least eight points when being assessed.

The Government estimates this means by 2029/30 around 800,000 won’t receive the Daily Living Component of PIP.

But it has also confirmed 150,000 will be missing out on Carer’s Allowance or the Universal Credit Carer’s Element by 2029/30 too.

This is because to receive either of these carer’s benefits you have to be caring for someone who receives the Daily Living part of PIP.

It means new and existing PIP claimants finding they are no longer eligible will disqualify their carer’s from next November when the changes kick in.

What are Carer’s Allowance and the carer’s element of Universal Credit?

Carer’s Allowance is paid to those caring for someone else (who is on benefits) for at least 35 hours a week and is worth £83.30 a week.

You don’t have to be related to the person you care for, or live with them, to qualify.

If you are on Carer’s Allowance you also receive National Insurance credits which contribute to your NI record.

What classes as someone needing “care” is based on them qualifying for a number of benefits. These are:

• Personal Independence Payment – Daily Living Component
• Disability Living Allowance – the middle or highest care rate
• Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance – the middle or highest care rate
• Attendance Allowance
• Pension Age Disability Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Child Disability Payment – the middle or highest care rate
• Adult Disability Payment – daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate

The person you are caring for must also need help with certain tasks including: washing and cooking, being taken to the doctors and household tasks like managing bills or going food shopping.

Carer’s Allowance is issued to those living in England, Wales or Scotland aged 16 or over.

It’s worth noting, receiving Carer’s Allowance can impact the benefits the person you are caring for gets.

For example, they will usually stop receiving a severe disability premium or an extra amount for severe disability premium if they are on Pension Credit.

You can apply for Carer’s Allowance and find out more about the exact eligibility criteria via www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim.

The carer’s element of Universal Credit is added to your Universal Credit standard allowance if you care for someone and they receive a number of qualifying benefits. These are:

• Adult Disability Payment – standard or enhanced award
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Child Disability Payment – middle or highest care award
• Constant Attendance Allowance – full day rate, intermediate rate or exceptional rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Constant Attendance Allowance – full day rate with a War Disablement Pension
• Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest care rate
• Personal Independence Payment – either rate of the Daily Living Part

To get the carer’s element you’ll also need to be providing 35 hours a week of care to the person receiving the qualifying benefit.

You get an extra monthly amount worth £201.68.

If you are receiving an extra amount because you have a limited capability for work and work related activity (LCWRA), you won’t qualify for the extra carer’s element part.

Meanwhile, if the person you care for gets the severe disability premium, it will stop when you claim the carer’s element of Universal Credit.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories