You can check your details with HMRC are correct in several ways

Taxpayers are being urged to review their records, as many people have incorrect information registered with HMRC. Consumer website MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has warned that millions of people need to update their details with the tax authority.

In a social media message, the organisation said: “A new tax year means it’s a good time to check your tax code. If it’s wrong, you could be due £1,000s back.” The message highlighted that “millions are wrong each year” and emphasised that verifying your tax code is accurate is your personal responsibility.

This means if you’re in employment, it falls to you to ensure your code is correct, not your employer. The MSE team highlighted a success story of a person who recovered a substantial sum after being on the wrong tax code for years.

£9,400 refund from HMRC

The taxpayer, named Michele, said: “I was being taxed on every penny I earned, without any allowance. I’d previously been self-employed, but stopped trading three years ago and my tax code hadn’t been updated with my employer.

“It took an hour on the phone to HMRC, but I’ve now been refunded £9,400.” Your tax code sets how much tax your employer or pension provider deducts from your income.

You can find yours on a recent payslip or in a Tax Code Notice letter, if HMRC issues one. Each person receives a standard tax-free allowance, entitling them to earn up to £12,570 annually without paying income tax on these earnings.

You could overpay thousands

However, if you’re on an incorrect tax code, there’s a danger this allowance might not be correctly applied to your circumstances. If you’ve missed out on the allowance entirely and pay tax at the basic rate, you could unnecessarily hand over an additional £2,514 annually.

If you were incorrectly taxed in this manner over three tax years, you could wrongly pay an extra £7,542 to HMRC. The tax department said previously: “Anyone who thinks their tax code is incorrect can update their details on our app or via their online tax account, or contact our helpline if unable to go online.” The number to ring is 0300 200 3300.

The most frequently used tax code is 1257L, showing that you qualify for the full £12,570 personal allowance. If HMRC discovers that you’ve overpaid tax, you’ll receive a P800 tax calculation letter.

This will explain how you can reclaim the money. You may be able to do this through the Government website or via the HMRC app.

The building society recently issued an update

Nationwide Building Society has shed light on a rule that affects customers accessing services online. The update after a query was raised by a member on social media.

The customer explained that they had switched to a new phone several weeks prior and were unable to activate biometrics on their new device. They asked: “How long is the waiting period to get these back?” Biometric authentication is a security feature that uses a unique personal identifier to verify account access. This can include fingerprint scanning or facial recognition to confirm a user’s identity. In response to the question, Nationwide stated: “If you get a new phone, you’ll need to wait to re-qualify for biometric authentication on that device.”

Regarding how long this can take, the group said: “There’s no set timescale, and we’ll usually notify you by text message when it becomes available.” The building society also pointed the customer towards an information page on the Nationwide website detailing how to set up biometric authentication.

The feature can be set up for everyday banking purposes, allowing customers to log into the app and authorise both small and recurring payments through either the app or internet banking portal. Biometrics can also be used to verify your identity when logging into internet banking.

Customers also have the option to set up biometrics within the app, to provide an extra layer of security for more sensitive transactions. This includes larger payments or resetting your passnumber.

With account biometrics enabled, there will be no need to use your card reader or debit card to log in or make payments. Nationwide recently issued guidance on how to identify counterfeit currency, following reports of fake notes appearing at one of its branches.

Counterfeit cash warning

A spokesperson said: “We are aware of a rise in scammers using fake banking notes to pay people for goods and would urge consumers to always check. Suspected counterfeits should be reported to the police, and guidance is available on the Bank of England website.”

Counterfeit notes frequently feature a thick plastic sticker concealing the hologram, which if peeled away may reveal the words: ‘for props only’. Another indicator that a banknote is fraudulent is if some of the UV numbers can be easily scratched off.

You may also want to look out for features such as the hologram and colour-shifting inks on the bank note, to make sure they appear exactly as they should.

Nationwide Building Society has issued a warning to people who use cash, urging them to look out for counterfeit notes with ‘for props only’ stickers

Nationwide Building Society has issued a warning to anyone who uses cash in their daily life, urging people to remain vigilant when handling banknotes. The warning comes following concerns raised by an MP who had recently visited their local branch.

Dr Luke Evans, MP for Hinckley and Bosworth, paid a visit to the Nationwide branch in Earl Shilton, where staff alerted him to a troubling pattern of counterfeit cash being used in transactions.

Taking to social media following his visit, Dr Evans said: “One of the concerns they wanted people to be aware of is the amount of counterfeit notes in circulation.”

In response to the growing concern, Nationwide was approached for comment. A Nationwide spokesperson said: “We are aware of a rise in scammers using fake banking notes to pay people for goods and would urge consumers to always check.

“Suspected counterfeits should be reported to the police, and guidance is available on the Bank of England website.” The building society also provided guidance on how to identify fraudulent notes, reports the Express.

One of the most telling indicators is that these notes frequently feature a thick plastic sticker placed over the hologram, which if removed may bear the words ‘for props only’. Nationwide also noted that another indicator of a counterfeit banknote is if some of the UV numbers can be scratched off with ease. Genuine banknotes feature a number corresponding to the denomination, which will appear under 365nm UV light.

A further piece of advice, should you receive a banknote you are uncertain about, is to verify that features such as the hologram and colour-shifting inks are all present and correct.

When asked to comment on his visit, Dr Evans said: “It’s always concerning to hear of scams operating in your area. While anyone can fall victim to a scam, I’m always acutely aware of the impact on some of the more vulnerable people in our communities.

“It’s a reminder to always be alert, especially when interacting with people who are demanding cash, or saying that payment has to be made in a certain way – particularly when buying or selling over social media. At the end of the day, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

He added that the reports of counterfeit currency highlight the continued importance of in-person banking services in local communities. The Conservative MP said: “This certainly makes a case for face-to-face interactions and dealing with your bank in person.

“During my visit to Nationwide, I was struck to hear the team talk about the personal relationships they have developed with local customers, and how people would travel from neighbouring cities because they have trust in a specific cashier.”

Nationwide has previously committed to maintaining all of its UK branches until at least 2030. This stands in stark contrast to numerous high street banking institutions which are closing additional branches this year.

Experts have urged people to check their change for a rare 1983 2p coin with a Royal Mint error

An expert has encouraged people across Britain to check their loose change for a rare coin that could fetch more than £1,000. This highly desirable 2p piece from the 1980s is worth significantly more than its face value.

The coin is especially prized because of a mistake made by the Royal Mint during manufacturing. Produced in 1983, it incorrectly displays the wording “new pence” rather than “two pence”. This occurred because all 2p coins made between 1971 and 1981 carried the “new pence” marking. While this was later amended to “two pence” in 1982, a limited number were minted with the wrong inscription.

In a video shared on social media platform TikTok, a specialist known as the Coin Collecting Wizard provided further details. He said: “The 1983 ‘new pence’ two pence coin from the United Kingdom is considered rare due to a specific transition in the design of the coin.

“In 1983, the Royal Mint in the UK began the process of changing the inscription on the two pence coin from ‘new pence’ to ‘two pence’. If you find this rare coin, you are looking at £1,000 plus.”

Numismatic specialists at Change Checker, speaking previously via TikTok, have suggested these specific coins could command around £1,000. They explained: “In 1982 the design of the 2p coin changed from saying ‘new pence’ to ‘two pence’. “However, some coins struck in 1983 used the old reverse die and therefore have the old inscription of ‘new pence’.

Therefore, it’s worth checking your new pence 2p coins for the 1983 date, as it could be valued up to £1,000. ” According to The Royal Mint’s website: “In 1983 a small number of 2p coins were mistakenly struck with the wording ‘new pence’ on the reverse.

READ MORE: Check your £1 coins for tiny mark making them ‘worth £60’READ MORE: Expert says check your change for 1945 ‘tiny coin’ worth £62,000

“These coins were produced to brilliant uncirculated quality – a standard higher than ordinary circulating coins – and were included in special sets intended for collectors.

“Since there are relatively few coins with the date 1983 and the inscription ‘new pence’ in circulation, they may well have a value higher than face value to a collector.

“The Royal Mint is, however, unable to comment on the value of any individual coin and we would recommend that you should consult a coin dealer.”

Resolution Foundation warns of ‘triple hit’ from frozen tax thresholds, council tax rises and soaring energy bills as new tax year begins, with poorest families feeling the impact most

A leading think-tank has predicted that working-age households will be approximately £500 worse off on average over the coming year as a result of frozen income tax thresholds. It is the most financially vulnerable who stand to bear the greatest burden – a newly published report by the Resolution Foundation, released ahead of the new tax year, found that the bottom 10 per cent of earners will be at the ‘sharp end’.

The report stated that shifts in energy and fuel prices alone could mean lower-income households experience a rate of inflation almost a percentage point higher than those in the top income ten per cent by the close of this year – according to fresh analysis published by the Resolution Foundation.

The Resolution Foundation has cautioned of a “triple hit” as the new tax year gets under way in April, with households contending with the combined pressures of taxation, rising utility bills, and substantial increases to council tax. It noted that families in particular will be around £500 worse off owing to the freeze on the personal tax allowance.

In the November budget Chancellor Rachel Reeves extended the tax thresholds freeze to 2031. For the 2026/27 tax year, the standard UK Personal Allowance remains frozen at £12,570, meaning no income tax is paid on earnings up to this amount. The basic rate (20%) applies up to £50,270, higher rate (40%) up to £125,140, and additional rate (45%) on income above £125,140.

The think-tank further warned that ‘big, regressive’ rises in Council Tax fail to offset ‘welcome’ increases to benefits, with surging energy bills likely to pose a significant challenge. While acknowledging that the tax year has begun with a reduction in Ofgem’s price cap – cutting typical energy bills by £117 a year – it cautioned that ‘the good news won’t last for long’. It stated: “While there remains a high degree of uncertainty around the future path of energy bills, even a plausible best-case scenario – in which wholesale gas prices fall immediately to pre-war levels – would still mean around a £130 increase in the energy price cap in July. Alternatively, if the recent highs in gas prices become the norm for the remainder of the assessment period, the price cap could increase by close to £440, to around £2,100.”

Lalitha Try, Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: “The cost of living crisis never ended for millions of households – and now a new price shock is on the way, care of the conflict in the Middle East.”

“Once again, it is the poorest families who will feel it most. They spend more of their income on essential costs like energy and food, meaning they experience a materially higher inflation rate than their better-off peers.

“The Government’s real-terms increase in Universal Credit this year is welcome and will go some way to reversing its historic erosion. But with energy bills set to rise sharply ministers should be preparing a social tariff that gives low-income households protection against the next price shock – and the one after that.” The report highlighted that, regarding energy bills, poorer households in the second decile of the income distribution spend almost twice as much of their income on energy (11 per cent) compared with wealthier households in the ninth decile (6 per cent), meaning price increases in this area will disproportionately affect lower-income families.

The report estimates that based purely on latest estimates of the energy-price shock a household in the bottom income 10 per cent would face an inflation rate of 3.8 per cent by the end of this year, compared with 2.9 per cent for the top 10 – per cent – a gap of 0.9 percentage points. This disparity would widen further should the broadly anticipated rise in food prices push inflation higher, as once again less affluent households allocate a greater proportion of their budgets to such necessities.

The analysis acknowledges that these anticipated price increases will be partially cushioned for some lower-income households through much-needed benefit reforms. Most significantly, the abolition of the two-child limit will provide immediate relief to struggling families with three or more children, lifting 450,000 children out of poverty by the end of the decade.

It said: “Universal Credit will also see its first ever permanent real-terms increase – a landmark, if belated, step. However, after years of below-inflation rises, the value of unemployment support will still sit 5 per cent below its 2010 level. Over the same period the state pension has grown by 20 per cent.” The report warns that, given the deeply uncertain trajectory of the conflict, energy bills could feasibly remain elevated well into the winter. Should this occur, it stated: “the Government should not rely solely on existing policies that raise benefits and reduce energy bills.

“But the Government has time to act. With only 6 per cent of gas and 21 per cent of electricity consumption taking place between July and September these price increases would not bite fully until autumn. The Government should use this time to develop a social tariff on energy bills, providing targeted, temporary support based on household income should bills remain high come the winter.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir has previously pledged to keep a planned rise in fuel duty from September “under review in light of what’s happening in Iran”, while the Government has intensified its efforts to assist motorists in locating the cheapest fuel in their area via a price comparison website.

Opposition parties, however, have demanded more urgent action, setting out their own proposals to reduce petrol prices and household energy bills as families brace themselves for potential energy bill increases later this year.

The Conservatives have called for VAT on energy bills to be scrapped for the next three years, Reform UK has pledged to reduce VAT on fuel and eliminate green levies on energy bills, while the Liberal Democrats have proposed a 10p reduction in fuel duty.

The Department for Work and Pensions is uprating 18 benefits from April 6, 2026, with millions of claimants set to see payment increases

The Department for Work and Pensions is set to increase 18 benefits from next month. Millions of individuals claiming benefits, including Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments, are due to see their payments rise from April 6.

Most welfare payments are uprated annually by the level of inflation from the previous September, which was 3.8 per cent. The DWP has already announced that the Universal Credit standard allowance will increase by 6.2 per cent.

This is higher than the rate of inflation. However, as Universal Credit is paid in monthly arrears, you won’t notice the increased payment rate until at least your May payment.

The state pension will rise by 4.8 per cent under the triple lock guarantee. The triple lock pledge ensures that the state pension increases each April by the highest out of inflation (using the previous September inflation figure), wages (average growth between May and July) or 2.5 per cent, reports Birmingham Live.

Attendance Allowance

1. Higher rate: £114.60
2. Lower rate: £76.70

Bereavement Benefit

For deaths between 9 April, 2001 and 5 April, 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

Child Benefit is 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: £77.52
• 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 disbursed 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.

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Contribution based JSA – Personal Rates

Single

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

Income-based JSA – Personal Allowances

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

Dependant children

Maternity Allowance

• Standard rate: £194.32
• Maternity Allowance threshold: £30.00

Pension Credit

Standard minimum guarantee

• Single: £238.00
• Couple: £363.25

Additional amount for severe disability

• Single: £86.05
• Couple (one qualifies): £86.05
• Couple (both qualify): £172.10

Additional amount for carers

Personal Independence Payment

Daily living component

• Enhanced: £114.60
• Standard: £76.70

Mobility component

• Enhanced: £80.00
• Standard: £30.30

Severe Disablement Allowance

State Pension

New State Pension

Old State Pension

• Category A or B basic pension: £184.90
• Category B (lower) basic pension – spouse or civil partner’s insurance: £110.75
• Category C or D – non-contributory: £110.75

Universal Credit (monthly rates)

Standard allowance

Single

• Single under 25: £338.58
• Single 25 or over: £424.90

Couple

• Joint claimants both under 25: £528.34
• Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over £666.97

Child amounts

• First child (born prior to 6 April 2017): £351.88
• First child (born on or after 6 April 2017 / second child and subsequent child (where an exception or transitional provision applies): £303.94

Disabled child additions

• Lower rate addition: £164.79
• Higher rate addition: £514.71

From 6 April, a change to DWP rules will give low-income families a much-welcomed boost

A Department for Work and Pensions rule change coming into effect next week will deliver a £300 boost to families. The scrapping of the two-child benefit cap will provide a £300-a-month financial lifeline to hard-pressed families, according to the Labour government.

From Monday (April 6), low-income households will be able to claim Universal Credit payments for every child living at home. The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) estimates that 109 children have been pushed into poverty every day as a result of the two-child policy, as families struggle to cover the cost of essentials.

Alison Garnham, CPAG’s chief executive, warned that children growing up in poverty faced “worse health and education outcomes, lower life expectancy and reduced earnings as adults”, describing the abolition of the cap as a “critical first step in turning opportunities around for kids”.

One mother of three told the charity: “The children have only been back at school two weeks and already I’m in debt for school dinners and for upcoming school trips. If my child is the only child that doesn’t go then that will have an effect on him. Every month I do our budget to the last penny.”

Citizens Advice said it witnesses the “devastating effect this policy has had on families every day”, reports Birmingham Live. Head of policy for Citizens Advice, David Mendes da Costa, said removing the limit would “mean the difference between falling into debt and being able to afford basics like food and school uniforms”.

Dan Paskins, executive director of UK impact at Save the Children UK said: “For the past nine years, there has effectively been a cap on childhood as the two-child limit to benefits kept families poor and robbed children in larger families of the same opportunities as their peers.

“There is now more of a chance that incomes will match the real cost of raising a family, as well as better health outcomes for children, educational attainment and long-term job prospects.”

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.

Some areas of the county will see bigger rises than others

Council tax bills are set to rise for most households in the country from April. The bulk of councils are set to increase bills by the maximum amount. This stands at 4.99 percent without town halls having to trigger a referendum.

Peterborough council falls into this category. It means Band D bills in the city will be increasing by £88 a year to £1,851. That’s not including any extras like parish precepts or police and fire services.

Increases vary across the rest of Cambridgeshire. The County Council is upping its bills by 4.99 percent. Huntingdonshire District Council are increasing their bills by 3.01 percent, while Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire are increasing theirs by 2.99 percent. Both East Cambridgeshire and Fenland are set to freeze their portion of people’s bills.

It means people in Cambridge will see their Band D bills rise by £92 to £2,025 when including the county council increase. In Huntingdonshire, Band D bills will be up by £90 to £1,956, in South Cambridgeshire by £90 to £1,966, in East Cambridgeshire by £85 to £1,928, and in Fenland by £85 to £2,040.

Some local authorities in England were given special permission by the government to go beyond the maximum. North Somerset and Shropshire will both be increasing bills by 8.99 percent. Worcestershire County council, meanwhile, will be putting up bills by 8.98 percent.

Both Trafford and Windsor & Maidenhead will be increasing by 7.49 percent, and Warrington by 7.48 percent.

You can find out how much your bills will increase by using our interactive. Simply enter your postcode to see the increase by your council.

The percentage increases have been collected thanks to extensive research by the Mirror. They cover the rises in every lower tier and upper tier council. They do not include, however, police and fire increases, parish council precepts or mayoral increases.

Households may be missing out on DWP cost of living support, energy bill grants and council assistance as living costs rise due to Middle East oil price increases

The cost of living could be set to rise sharply for many UK households. This follows the conflict in the Middle East which has caused oil prices to soar, potentially impacting petrol prices, energy bills, grocery costs and more.

However, some individuals may be eligible for more support than they are currently receiving. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), your utility suppliers, and your local council may offer cost of living support for households struggling to cover the essentials.

Citizens Advice has outlined who is eligible and how to claim your entitlement. Check below to see if you qualify.

DWP benefits

The DWP can provide much more than just the monthly or weekly benefit payments it offers. Claiming your entitlement, even if you only receive a minimal payment, can make you eligible for a range of other support like discounts or grants for essential bills, reports the Mirror.

There are online benefit checkers available where you can see exactly what you’re entitled to. People who are sick, disabled, on a low income, or have caring duties may be eligible for certain benefits.

If you’re struggling with the cost of living and only starting your benefits application now, you may be able to get your first payment early whilst you’re waiting for your application to be processed. This is known as a short-term benefit advance.

Advances are available for:

• Universal Credit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Carer’s Allowance
• Pension Credit
• State Pension

These advances do need to be repaid. Typically, the DWP will deduct from your future benefit payments until the total amount is fully returned. The repayments can be spread out over several weeks or months depending on which benefit you are claiming.

Suppliers

As energy bills become increasingly concerning for households, many individuals may be able to receive support directly from their supplier. This could include grants, fuel vouchers or being placed on a social tariff to reduce your cost of living.

Certain grants can also assist in making your home more energy efficient by helping with the cost of:

• A new boiler
• Boiler repairs
• Loft or cavity wall insulation
• A heat pump

Several energy suppliers also offer grants to help individuals settle their energy debts. Citizens Advice suggests contacting your supplier directly to see what additional support they can provide.

Local councils

Your local council may be able to assist with a variety of cost of living support, including fuel vouchers. However, each council may have different offerings and eligibility criteria so it’s best to check your local council’s website for more details.

Councils might also provide ‘Warm Welcome’ spaces that can be used by anyone to offer some relief. Each space is unique but Citizens Advice notes that these spaces often provide things like hot food and drinks, activities, community meeting places, access to the internet and computer assistance.