Most of the 9 million pensioner households due the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment have received the lump sum

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed that the majority of the 9 million pensioner households due the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment received the lump sum of £100, £200, or £300 before the automatic payment window closed on January 28.

Nearly 90,000 individuals over 66 in Scotland should also have received their Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland by the end of February.

However, according to UK Government guidance, there are two specific groups of people who may need to claim the Winter Fuel Payment. It’s crucial to note this can only be done by post or over the phone before March 31, 2026.

Only pensioners born before September 22, 1959 with an income at or below £35,000 should have received an automatic Winter Fuel Payment from the DWP.

DWP guidance explains if pensioners “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” as you may need to claim, reports the Daily Record.

The money should have appeared in bank accounts – where the State Pension or benefits are usually paid – with the payment reference starting with the National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP.’

Pensioners are urged to double check their bank statements for this reference number before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.

The Winter Fuel Payment is worth between £200 and £300 depending on age and circumstances, and is usually paid automatically to eligible households

From April 1, pensioners in England and Wales will have the option to opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment for 2026/27, a move that could potentially help some avoid a later tax bill or adjustment.

Following rules implemented last year, the annual heating payment is now aimed at those with incomes at or below £35,000.

However, it will be paid automatically, even if someone’s income surpasses that level, unless they choose to opt-out before the September deadline.

For pensioners with higher incomes, any payment received will be reclaimed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), typically through adjustments to their tax code in the subsequent financial year. Opting out means the payment is not issued in the first place, eliminating the need for it to be repaid later.

The Winter Fuel Payment ranges between £200 and £300 depending on age and circumstances, and is usually paid automatically to eligible households.

Although the amount is based on household eligibility, it is paid to individuals. This means one person in a couple can opt out while the other continues to receive their share, depending on their income, reports the Daily Record.

Last year, some pensioners were unaware they could opt out before the qualifying week in September, resulting in them receiving the payment and later facing its recovery.

The qualifying week for the 2026/27 payment is typically the third week in September, so anyone wishing to opt out will need to do so before then. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will confirm the exact dates later this year.

Pensioners who opt out but later find their income falls below £35,000 can still make a claim for the payment up to March 31, 2027. Meanwhile, those who did not receive the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025/26 can still submit a claim before March 31 this year.

The DWP, HMRC and Social Security Scotland have confirmed some people will receive their payments early due to the Easter bank holidays

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that some individuals due to receive State Pension or benefit payments over the Easter weekend will see the money deposited into their bank accounts early. This year, Easter falls on Sunday, April 5, which means scheduled payments set to be made on Good Friday or bank holiday Monday will be issued on Thursday, April 2.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Social Security Scotland have also confirmed that payments due on those days – Friday, April 3, or Monday, April 6 – will be made early. The DWP also stated that Jobcentre Plus Offices and phone lines will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6, but will open as usual on Tuesday, April 7.

It’s crucial to note that if your upcoming payment does not fall on either of the Easter holidays, it will be paid as normal. Below is a full list of DWP, HMRC and Social Security Scotland payments which could be affected by the Easter bank holiday weekend.

If your benefit or payment is not listed, it will not be affected by the Easter bank holiday weekend, reports the Daily Record.

DWP payment dates over Easter weekend

Payments due to be made on Friday April 3 or Monday April 6 for the benefits listed below will be paid on Thursday, April 2.

Payments affected:

• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Pension Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• State Pension
• Universal Credit

HMRC payment date changes over Easter weekend

Payments due to be made on Friday April 3 or Monday April 6 for the benefits listed below will be paid on Thursday, April 2.

Payments affected:

• Child Benefit
• Guardian’s Allowance

Social Security Scotland payment dates over Easter weekend

Payments scheduled for Friday, April 3, or Monday, April 6, for the benefits listed below will be made on Thursday, April 2.

Affected payments:

• Adult Disability Payment
• Child Disability Payment
• Scottish Child Payment
• Carer Support Payment
• Pension Age Disability Payment
• Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.

Ways to secure National Insurance credits without claiming Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits have been revealed. National Insurance credits may be able to boost your state pension entitlement.

National Insurance credits can fill gaps in your National Insurance record, which determines your state pension entitlement. Usually, these credits are awarded to individuals on certain benefits such as Carer’s Allowance and Child Benefit, ensuring carers don’t forfeit state pension rights whilst looking after family members.

However, there are four methods people can obtain National Insurance credits without claiming any benefits. Some of these aren’t automatically granted, meaning individuals must make their claim or risk losing out.

Training courses

People aged 18 or over who have been enrolled on a government-approved training course by Jo Centre Plus should automatically receive Class 1 National Insurance credits. This only applies if the course doesn’t exceed one year, reports Birmingham Live.

If you’re over 18 and taking part in a government-approved training course that lasts no more than one year without being referred by the Job Centre, you may still qualify for credits but will need to apply. This involves writing to HMRC, specifying the period for which credits are being claimed and demonstrating your eligibility.

Jury service

Those who are not self-employed and have been summoned for jury service may be eligible for National Insurance credits for the duration of their court duty. To secure these Class 1 credits, a written application must be submitted to HMRC.

Partners of armed forces personnel

If you are married to or in a civil partnership with someone serving in the armed forces and have accompanied them on an overseas posting, you may qualify for National Insurance credits.

For those who departed for their assignment after April 6, 2010, and have since returned to the UK, Class 1 credits may be claimed. If your overseas deployment took place after April 6, 1975, you reached state pension age on or after April 6, 2016, and you’re not receiving Class 1 credits, then you may apply for Class 3 credits instead.

Wrongfully convicted

If your conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal, or Court of Criminal Appeal in Scotland, you can apply for Class 1 credits. You must write to HMRC, providing your National Insurance number along with details explaining your entitlement.

Information on how to apply and where to send applications for these credits can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Millions claiming benefits including Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments will see payment rates increase from April 2026

Millions of individuals receiving benefits, including Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments, are set to see their payments increase from April. The majority of welfare payments are adjusted every year by the level of inflation from the previous September, which was 3.8%.

Universal Credit standard allowance will rise by 6.2% – higher than the rate of inflation. However, as Universal Credit is paid in monthly payments, people won’t notice the higher payment rate until at least the May payment.

Universal Credit is replacing six older legacy benefits – including Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit.

Meanwhile, the state pension will increase by 4.8% under the triple lock promise. The triple lock guarantees the state pension rises each April by the highest out of inflation (using the previous September inflation figure), wages (average growth between May and July) or 2.5%, reports the Mirror.

Most benefits are paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) but Child Benefit is paid by HMRC.

Attendance Allowance

• Higher rate: £114.60
• Lower rate: £76.70

Bereavement Benefit

For deaths between April 9, 2001 and April 5, 2017

• Widowed Parent’s Allowance: £156.65

Bereavement Support Payment

• Standard rate (lump sum): £2,500
• Standard rate monthly payments: £100
• Higher rate (lump sum): £3,500
• Higher rate monthly payments: £350

Carer’s Allowance

Child Benefit – paid by HMRC

• Eldest or only child: £27.05
• Other children: £17.90

Disability Living Allowance

Care component

• Highest: £114.60
• Middle: £76.70
• Lowest: £30.30

Mobility component

• Higher: £80
• Lower: £30.30

Employment and Support Allowance

Contributory and New Style ESA – Personal Allowances

Single

• Under 25: £75.65
• 25 or over: £95.55

Lone parent

• Under 18: £75.65
• 18 or over: £95.55

Components

• Work related activity: £37.95
• Support: £50.35

Income Related ESA – Personal Allowances

Single

• Under 25: £77.52
• 25 or over: £97.75

Lone parent

• Under 18: £77.52
• 18 or over: £97.75

Couple

• Both under 18 with child: £117.
• Both under 18 (main phase): £97.75
• Both under 18 with child (main phase): £153.61
• One 18 or over, one under 18 (certain conditions apply): £153.61
• Both over 18: £153.61
• Claimant under 25, partner under 18: £77.52
• Claimant 25 or over, partner under 18: £97.75
• Claimant (main phase), partner under 18: £97.75

Income Related ESA – Premiums

Enhanced disability

• Single: £22
• Couple: £31.40
• Severe disability
• Single: £86.05
• Couple (lower rate): £86.05
• Couple (higher rate): £172.10
• Carer: £48.15

Pensioner

• Single with work-related activity component: £105.90
• Single with support component £93.95
• Single with no component: £142.45
• Couple with work-related activity component: £176.55
• Couple with support component: £164.60
• Couple with no component: £213.10

Components

• Work related activity: £36.55
• Support: £48.50

Guardian’s Allowance

Guardian’s Allowance is paid by HMRC

Housing Benefit

Single

• Under 25: £75.65
• 25 or over: £95.55
• Entitled to main phase ESA: £95.55

Lone parent

• Under 18: £75.65
• 18 or over: £95.55
• Entitled to main phase ESA: £95.55

Couple

• Both under 18: £114.35
• One or both 18 or over: £150.15
• Claimant entitled to main phase ESA: £150.15

Dependent children

State Pension Age

• Single or lone parent (State Pension age or over): £256.00
• Couple (State Pension age or over): £383.35
• Single or lone parent (reached state pension age on or after 1 April 2021): £238.00
• Couple (both reached state pension age on or after 1 April 2021): £363.25
• For the claimant and the other party to the marriage where one or more members of the marriage are State Pension age or over: £383.35
• For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant and one or more of the members are State Pension age or over: £127.35

Income Support

Single

• Under 25: £75.65
• 25 or over: £95.55
• Lone parent
• Under 18: £75.65
• 18 or over: £95.55

Couple

• Both under 18: £75.65
• Both under 18 – higher rate: £114.35
• One under 18, one under 25: £75.65
• One under 18, one 25 and over: £95.55
• Both 18 or over: £150.15

Dependent children

Industrial Death Benefit

Widow’s pension

• Higher rate: £184.90
• Lower rate: £55.47
• Widower’s pension: £184.90

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

• Standard rate: This is between £46.78 and £233.90 depending on your award level.

There are other premiums available depending on your circumstances.

The Child Poverty Bill has become law with the scrapping of the two-child limit meaning families on Universal Credit can now claim for every child in their care

The Child Poverty Bill has been granted Royal Assent, paving the way for it to become law with a series of amendments designed to assist families on benefits and those with working parents. These modifications affect areas including childcare, benefit regulations, and free school meals.

A significant change in the bill is the abolition of the two-child limit. This will allow families on Universal Credit to claim the child element for every eligible child they care for, not just the first two.

Coupled with the rise in benefit rates set for April, this single change could result in some families receiving an additional £300 per month. The Government anticipates that up to 1.5 million children across Great Britain could benefit from the removal of this rule, primarily aiding those in working families.

This amendment will come into effect from April 6, 2026. Families already claiming Universal Credit will see it applied automatically and don’t need to take any action.

Other provisions in the bill include extending childcare support for working parents and broadening the free school meals programme. The bill forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to get rid of obstacles for children in lower-income households and lift 450,000 children out of poverty before the end of this Parliament, reports the Mirror.

This comes after Government data revealed that 2.6 million children in the UK lack sufficient food at home and over 172,000 have no permanent home to start with.

Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “Today is an historic day, marking a turning point for 450,000 children across Britain. Scrapping the two-child limit is about more than family finances today, it’s about the Britain we’re building for tomorrow.

“Children growing up in poverty are far more likely to leave school without qualifications and end up not in work or education as young adults, and we’re determined to break that cycle once and for all and give every child the best start in life.”

The two-child limit was initially implemented following the 2015 general election to make savings in the welfare system and ensure households on benefits would face the same “financial choices” around having more children that working households had.

It is estimated that in April last year, approximately 483,000 families were being affected by the two-child limit. Government figures also estimate that 300,000 children are living in relative poverty as a result of the policy.

These changes are also expected to have a ripple effect across health services, schooling results and employment. Government figures showed children born in the poorest areas are more likely to have mental health problems and issues like obesity and tooth decay whilst also struggling at school due to hunger and unsuitable housing.

As a result, children growing up in poverty are more likely to leave school with poorer GCSE results, less likely to find work and earn around 50% less than their more educated peers by the time they reach 40.

Abigail Wood, CEO of Gingerbread, said: “Gingerbread has campaigned long and hard for the two-child limit to be scrapped. It pushed children into poverty and unfairly punished single parents. We need to see single parents and their children supported not punished. Removing the two child limit is the right thing for our government to do and we welcome this step.”

Sara Ogilvie, Director of Policy, Rights and Advocacy at Child Poverty Action Group said: “The abolition of the two-child limit by parliament is an important and welcome first step in driving down child poverty. It will give millions of children across the UK a better today and brighter tomorrow. Protecting children from poverty is the right thing to do and lays the foundations for a stronger country for us all.”

Minister for Employment, Dame Diana Johnson, said: “For too long, the two-child limit has held children back through no fault of their own. With the law now changed, hundreds of thousands of children will grow up with greater security and opportunity. We’re determined to break the link between a child’s background and their life chances and today brings us a step closer to that goal.”

The State Pension age will soon start to rise, with the transition expected to be completed for everyone across the UK by 2028.

A significant change to the State Pension is set to start from April. The State Pension age will start to rise from 66 to 67, with the shift expected to be completed for everyone across the UK by 2028.

The proposed change to the official retirement age has been legislated since 2014, with a subsequent increase from 67 to 68 planned for roll-out during the mid-2040s. The Pensions Act 2014 fast-tracked the State Pension age increase from 66 to 67 by eight years.

The UK Government also adjusted how the State Pension age increase is introduced, meaning instead of reaching State Pension age on a specific date, individuals born between March 6, 1961 and April 5, 1977 will become eligible to claim the State Pension when turning 67.

It’s crucial to comprehend these upcoming changes now, especially if you’ve formulated a retirement plan. Everyone affected by alterations to their State Pension age will receive communication from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with plenty of notice.

As per the Pensions Act 2007, the State Pension age for both men and women will rise from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046, reports the Mirror. The Pensions Act 2014 requires a regular review of the State Pension age, at least once every five years.

The review will focus on the principle that individuals should spend a certain proportion of their adult life receiving a State Pension. The UK Government has recently set up a new Pension Commission to investigate ways of boosting pension savings, with its findings due to be revealed in 2027.

The commission will look into issues such as auto-enrolment saving rates, promoting savings among groups like the self-employed, and a reassessment of the State Pension age, according to the Daily Record.

State Pension Rates 2026/27

Full New State Pension

– Weekly: £241.30 (from £230.25)

– Four-weekly pay period: £965.20

– Annual amount: £12,547

Full Basic State Pension

– Weekly: £184.90 (from £176.45)

– Four-weekly pay period: £739.60

– Annual amount: £9,614

Other State Pension rates

– Category B (lower) Basic State Pension – spouse or civil Partner’s insurance: £110.75 (from £105.70)

– Category C or D – non-contributory: £110.75 (from £105.70)

The new payment rates will commence on April 6.

Dr Suzy Morrissey will offer insights on factors the UK Government should consider regarding the State Pension age, whilst the Government Actuary’s Department will prepare a report on the proportion of adult life spent in retirement.

The reassessment of the State Pension age will take into account life expectancy along with a range of other factors relevant to determining the State Pension age. Following the outcome of the review, the UK Government may choose to make changes to the State Pension age. However, any suggested changes would need to be approved by Parliament before they can become law.

The DWP stopped Marie’s pension when she was in hospital in Cyprus, and her local authority is now taking her to court over her council tax

An 84 year old stranded in Cyprus after becoming ill, whose pension was stopped for being out of the UK too long, is being taken to court for not paying council tax. Marie Collins, from Narborough, Norfolk, flew out to the island for a fortnight’s holiday in September. But after she developed a serious chest infection, doctors told her she was not fit to return home.

She has not received any pension payments since the beginning of November. She said she has been told this was because the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) thought she had died.

Breckland District Council is also taking her to court because they say she owes £875 in council tax. Marie was ordered to appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court – but she remains stranded in Cyprus with no funds to get home.

A spokesperson for Breckland District Council said that they were unable to comment on individual cases. They added: “We can confirm that when we are notified that a resident’s circumstances have changed, it will trigger a reassessment of their council tax bill and their eligibility for support and discounts.

“We have a responsibility to collect council tax from all our residents and to pursue any missed payments on behalf of the public purse. However, we always take a collaborative approach with individuals and work with them to understand their individual situation.”

Marie, currently living with friends, is still awaiting clarification from the DWP regarding her pension payments. After recovering from the chest infection, she suffered a fall and has since undergone physiotherapy, but still has limited use of her hand and “no pressure” in her fingers, leaving her unable to write properly, reports the Mirror.

She stated that doctors provided letters confirming she was unfit to fly, and both local and specialist medical evidence was sent to the DWP. Despite repeated contact from Marie, her niece, South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy, and the British Consulate in Cyprus, her payments remain suspended.

Mr Jermy expressed his commitment to assisting Marie as a “matter of priority”. “My team and I are actively supporting Marie and have been pursuing every possible way of getting this situation resolved for her as a matter of priority,” the MP said.

However, Marie said: “They have still not given me a penny after five months. This keeps going around in circles. The DWP is just making excuses. They assumed I was dead.”

The ongoing struggle has taken a toll on Marie’s physical and mental health. “I don’t know how much longer I can live going on like this,” she said.

Marie recounted spending “weeks and weeks” attempting to reach the DWP’s offices by phone, often waiting on hold for hours before being disconnected. She asked her niece in Yorkshire to intervene on her behalf, but was told that the department could not speak to her niece without power of attorney.

Marie organised the necessary documents and dispatched them via recorded delivery in early January. Although tracking confirmed its arrival, her niece was subsequently informed that the department had no record of it and remained unable to discuss the case. At one point, Marie stated she was unable to make international calls due to exhausting her mobile credit, leaving WhatsApp as her sole means of communication.

The DWP has been approached for a response.

The DWP has confirmed any changes to Personal Independence Payment will not be applied until after a comprehensive review has been completed this Autumn, with an interim report due before then

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed any changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will not be applied until after a “comprehensive review” of the disability benefit has been completed this autumn. However, the DWP announced recently an interim report will be issued before that time.

The DWP also confirmed eligibility for the mobility part of PIP will be reviewed alongside the daily living element, as part of the UK Government’s welfare reforms. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms is co-producing the review with disabled groups and charities.

PIP claimants awarded the higher rate of the PIP mobility component can transfer some or all of the payment to lease a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme.

The latest figures from Motability Operations – the company behind the life-changing Motability Scheme – show there are now 815,000 customers across the UK, including nearly 88,000 living in Scotland.

Recent data from DWP shows some 37 per cent of all 3.9 million claimants were in receipt of the enhanced rate of the daily living component and mobility component at the end of January, reports the Daily Record.

Five most-claimed PIP conditions

Below are the five most-claimed PIP conditions with the percentage of claimants receiving the enhanced rates of the daily living and mobility components.

Psychiatric disorder

• Daily living and mobility component – 42%
• Daily living component only – 69%
• Mobility component only – 46%

Musculoskeletal disease (general)

• Daily living and mobility component – 26%
• Daily living component only – 34%
• Mobility component only – 45%

Neurological disease

• Daily living and mobility component – 51%
• Daily living component only – 58%
• Mobility component only – 72%

Musculoskeletal disease (regional)

• Daily living and mobility component – 20%
• Daily living component only – 27%
• Mobility component only – 45%

Respiratory disease

• Daily living and mobility component – 31%
• Daily living component only – 37%
• Mobility component only – 57%

During a recent oral questions session in Parliament, the DWP was asked to “consider the benefits to which PIP is a gateway, such as Motability, disability premiums, Council Tax discounts and Blue Badges”.

Sir Stephen Timms was also urged to “promise at least that those entitlements could come down”.

He said: “We have made it clear that we will co-produce our review of the PIP assessment with disabled people and representatives of disability organisations.

“The review will cover the assessment for the mobility component, which leads on to the Motability scheme, and other entitlements to which PIP is a gateway.”

There are currently over three million Blue Badge permit holders across the UK, including over 235,700 in Scotland.

Other benefits which can be accessed with a PIP award

Whilst you may not be eligible for any or all of these benefits, it’s worth checking to ensure you are not missing out on additional support.

• Access to Work
• Blue Badge
• Carer’s Allowance / Carer Support Payment
• Carer’s Credit
• Christmas Bonus
• Council Tax Reduction
• Employment and Support Allowance – only if you get the PIP daily living component
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support‎
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit – only if you get the PIP daily living component
• Universal Credit

You can read the full PIP guide on GOV.UK.

Thousands of families could benefit from the change

Some benefit rule changes outlined in the Universal Credit Bill will officially come into effect from 6 April 2026, as part of the Government’s strategy to combat child poverty. This change could result in more than 400,000 families increasing their entitlement by thousands of pounds annually.

The two-child limit will be abolished at the start of the new tax year from that April date. This will enable families on Universal Credit to receive the child element of the benefit for every child in the household, not just the first two.

In addition, the benefit will also see a 3.8% increase as part of the annual benefit uprating in April. This will make the child element worth approximately £3,650 per year from the time the two-child limit is removed.

It’s projected that 450,000 fewer children will be living in relative poverty by 2030/2031 due to this rule change. The Government also estimates that 150,000 fewer working age adults will be in relative poverty.

The child element of Universal Credit provides an additional amount to a family’s claim to help cover the costs of raising a child and reduce child poverty. These amounts are typically paid per child, but households with a third or more children born after April 2017 did not receive any extra earnings for these children, reports the Mirror.

There were some exceptions for families that had a third or more children without choosing to, such as having a multiple birth or non-consensual conception.

The two-child limit was initially implemented following the 2015 general election as a means to make savings in the welfare system. The Conservative policy, which faced criticism from numerous campaigners, was designed to ensure that households on benefits would have to make the same “financial choices” about having more children as working households do.

It’s estimated that in April of the previous year, approximately 483,000 families were impacted by the two-child limit. Government statistics also suggest that 300,000 children are living in relative poverty due to this policy.

It’s important to distinguish that the two-child limit is not the same as the benefit cap, which will not be lifted this coming April. The benefit cap restricts the maximum amount a working-age household can receive in benefits and varies depending on your location and who you live with.

Roughly 50,000 families may not benefit from the removal of the two-child limit due to the benefit cap, and an additional 10,000 may not receive their full new entitlement as this would exceed their assigned cap.

Several other modifications to the Universal Credit system will also come into effect from April. This includes a reduction to the Limited Capability for Work-related Activities group, also known as the health element of Universal Credit.

At present, eligible claimants receive £94 per week from this component, but moving forward, applicants who make their first successful claim after April will only receive £50 per week. While the majority of benefits, including Universal Credit additions, will rise by 3.8%, the standard rate of benefits will receive an additional 2.3% uplift. This means the standard rate will see a total increase of 6.2%.