A SINGLE mum of six was left without heating and hot water for MONTHS but was saved by a little-known grant scheme.

Mandeep, 41, from Birmingham, was left living in the dark ages after her boiler broke down forcing her family to use a kettle every time they wanted showers.

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She spent seven gruelling months using water from the kettle to fill buckets of water so her six girls, aged between two years-old and 17, were clean for school.

The family were also unable to heat their home, spending cold nights in bed with just a duvet to keep warm.

As Mandeep owns her own home, the responsibility fell on her to fix it, but with no cash to afford a new one, she believed she’d have to make do without for good.

National Energy Action charity estimates that 5.6million people just like her across the UK are living in fuel poverty.

Factors such as the cost of living crisis have meant a greater number of households are struggling to heat their homes or find money for repairs.

Mandeep, who is unemployed, said that she did not ask neighbours or friends for support because she felt too proud.

Speaking to The Sun she said: “I would not want any other family to go through what I did.”

“It was really hard for me and my kids to go through all this, [we had] no [hot] water, no heat and were not able to keep warm [or] able to wash.”

It was only when a healthcare worker visited that Mandeep discovered a little-known scheme that could help her out – and she’s urging others to reach out too.

Help was on hand

The mum-of-six was advised to contact the Direct Access to Wellbeing Services Team (DAWS).

It is a new service set up by gas supplier Cadent and the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Charity.

The pair are offering £2.4million worth of grants to help 100,000 vulnerable healthcare users with financial support over the next two years.

It is currently only available to NHS patients in Birmingham but if the project is successful then it may be rolled out across the wider UK.

And it’s just one example of thousands of little-known schemes across the country that are helping people out.

Households can not apply directly for this support – they need to be referred by their health worker GP, health visitor or nurse.

When the DAWS team receives a referral, an advisor will work through their details in a consultation.

From there, they will know which services they will need support with. This can include:

• Energy efficiency improvements around the home
• White goods like fridges or cookers
• Boiler checks
• Helping people get the benefits they are entitled to
• Support to maximise their income

In some instances, referrals have been actioned within 48 hours but this may not be the case everytime.

Patients and their families can ask about the support by speaking to their health professional.

Mandeep met the criteria to be provided with range of support and was given a new boiler alongside other financial aid totalling around £4,500. That included:

• A slow cooker to make food for £70
• Energy vouchers to heat her home for £70
• A new boiler worth £4k and £120 for the service to be installed
• An electric blanket worth to keep warm
• Food vouchers for shopping worth £100

Mandeep said that after being approved for the scheme she received her boiler within three days and it was also installed in her home free of charge.

It was a weight lifted off her shoulders and has helped transform her family’s life.

She said: “My life is better now..any other family going through this should speak out and not suffer in silence.”

“The DAWS team was amazing and they helped me through the situation”.

How to unlock cash grants

If you are struggling it is worth being aware of online tools which can help you access grants.

For example, Turn2Us has an online tool which checks your elibiglty for over 1,400 grants.

All of the grants do not need to be paid back and the tool will search through the grants and let you know if you qualify.

Each grant is different but they can provide support for a range of different necessities like groceries and even kitchen appliances.

For example, Macmillan Cancer Support offers, one-off grants to people living with cancer who have low incomes and savings. 

The Teaching Staff Trust also offers cash grants to those who work in the education sector and face financial difficulty.

The Sun spoke to one mum who used to scheme and was given £1,000 in vouchers to spend at Amazon and the big supermarkets.

Other grants have specific requirements for spending for example a business grant may need to be spent on business expenses.

How to use the grant search tool

First, go to the Turn2Us website and type in Grant Search.

Then look for what’s available specifically in your area by entering your postcode.

You will be asked to give details about yourself, such as your name and gender.

You can also go into more depth by telling Turn2Us about your current health and employment situation.

Once you’ve found a grant you think you’re eligible for, you can put in an inquiry through Turn2Us.

Other grants and schemes

Energy grants

Many gas and energy suppliers offer grants and schemes for customers who are struggling.

For example, British Gas has a fund open to pre-payment meter and credit customers who have found themselves in debt worth up to £1,700.

The Individual and Families Fund was first set up in 2021 to help households struggling with energy debt.

This scheme’s support is available to British Gas and non-British Gas customers.

However, if your provider is Ovo Energy, E.ON Next, EDF Energy, Scottish Power, Octopus Energy or Utilita it asks your go to them for assistance first.

You can check out your eligibility for the scheme here.

Elsewhere, EDF has a customer support fund which on average wipes £1,250 off customers’ bills. 

It is available to vulnerable customers experiencing hardship. 

To apply, visit EDF’s website and make sure you have details of your account number (find it on your energy bills or EDF emails) and the current debt balance on all EDF accounts you have.

Meanwhile, Octopus Energy offers a range of support, including cash from its Octopus Energy Assist Fund.

It could also include loaning a thermal imagery camera to find heat leaks in your home, which you can fix to reduce energy usage and your bill.

It also conducts home energy visits to discuss how households can reduce their usage and gives out free electric blankets.

Local welfare assistance schemes

Most councils also have local welfare assistance schemes designed to help families in severe financial hardship.

Again, the eligibility criteria varies by council, and how much you can get will depend on your specific circumstances.

Most councils say they will prioritise families who need urgent access to food.

The support you get could be money, vouchers, or referrals to other organisations such as food banks.

Household support fund

You might be able to get help with essential costs from your local council through a programme called the Household Support Fund (HSF).

The funding is designed to help people who are vulnerable or can’t afford to pay for necessities like energy bills, water bills, and food.

Some councils offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays, as well through the scheme.

Eligibility criteria varies by council, so you need to check your local authority’s website to see what’s available and how to apply.

Fuel vouchers

If you’re having difficulty paying your energy bills and use a prepayment meter, or if you use alternative heating sources such as oil, LPG, coal, or wood, you may be eligible for a fuel voucher from your local council.

A fuel voucher gives you credit for your gas and electricity supply without having to pay in advance.

You’ll receive a code in a letter, text message or email which you can use to add the credit.

You can use a fuel voucher at a Post Office, a shop signed up to Payzone or a shop signed up to PayPoint. You’ll need to take the code and a form of ID.

In this week’s Weekend Essay, Dan Cooper takes a look at the growing trend of football clubs partnering with high-risk CFD trading firms. Are clubs prioritising profit over fans? Should there be better regulation to protect supporters from risky financial products? Dan explores the dark side of the beautiful game and its sponsorship deals.

MORE than a third of Pension Credit applications were rejected last year, according to official figures seen by The Sun.

Pension Credit is a vital benefit which is designed to top up the income of the UK’s poorest pensioners.

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It is currently worth up to £218.15 a week if you are single or £332.95 if you are in a couple.

There were 214,309 applications for Pension Credit in the last financial year, according to figures from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Of these applications 83,168, or 39%, were rejected and 130,366 claims were approved.

The fresh figures come from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by The Sun and cover around 85% of all pension credit claims made in the 2023/24 financial year.

This year Pension Credit is especially vital as the Government recently changed the rules on who will receive the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300 a year.

From this winter the payment will be limited to people who receive Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits.

As a result, the number of households making a claim for Pension Credit has increased by 152%.

The DWP has received around 74,400 applications in the eight weeks since the announcement on July 29.

In comparison, there were just 29,500 claims in the eight weeks before the announcement.

Despite the surge in the numbers applying for Pension Credit, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of eligible households are still missing out.

Around 880,000 families who were entitled to receive the benefit did not claim it in the 2022 financial year, the DWP said.

Why are claims rejected?

There are several reasons why a claim would be rejected and all relate to whether the person claiming it meets the rules, says Sam Alwyine-Mosely, a senior press officer at Citizens Advice.

The main reason that an application may be rejected is simply because the person claiming is not eligible for Pension Credit.

This could be because their income is too high, they have not yet reached the state pension age or they do not live in the UK.

However, just because your claim has been rejected before does not mean that you will never be able to successfully apply for Pension Credit.

Sir Steve Webb, a former pensions minister and a consultant at law firm Lane Clark and Peacock, said: “Apply again in due course even if you are turned down initially.”

“You can always apply again later in retirement if something changes such as starting to claim a disability benefit, losing a spouse or partner or running down your savings.”

He adds: “It is vital that as many people who may be entitled to put in a claim. Make a claim in any case. The worst that can happen is that they decide you are not entitled.”

Another common reason that an application may not be granted is because it did not contain enough evidence.

It is important to provide as much detail as possible when you submit a benefit claim.

This can also help to reduce the time it takes for Pension Credit to be granted and avoid back and forth with the DWP.

Meanwhile, the third reason that many Pension Credit applications are not rubber-stamped is due to errors in the form.

Without the correct information the DWP cannot verify whether you are eligible for Pension Credit and your application will be rejected.

If you make a mistake when filling out the form you can just cross it out and put your initials next to it.

You do not need to complete another application form.

Sam adds: “Applicants need to ensure they fill in the form correctly and supply all the information requested about their income and identity to ensure their application is granted.”

But the application form itself can be a barrier that stops families from accessing the vital support they need.

Dennis Reed, of campaign group Silver Voices, said: “The application process for Pension Credit is ridiculously complex with over 230 questions, preferably completed online. 

“It is also highly intrusive asking for minute detail on the income and circumstances of the applicant and their partner. 

“These two disadvantages together prevent hundreds of thousands of older people applying for the help they obviously need.”

But there are steps you can take to make sure your claim is approved and you get the cash you’re entitled to – including getting free help to complete your application.

How to make sure that your claim is approved

Always check that you meet the eligibility criteria before you apply for Pension Credit.

To claim online visit gov.uk.

You can also apply by phone by calling 0800 991234 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm.

A family member can make the call for you but you must be present when the application is made.

It can be helpful to have your National Insurance number, information about your income, savings, investments and pension to hand.

If you need help or advice during the application process then contact your local Citizens Advice or get in touch with the charity Age UK.

If you need help completing your application then you can call the free Age UK advice line on 0800 678 1602.

The lines are open from 8am to 7pm, 365 days a year.

How to appeal the decision

If you claim is rejected and you disagree with the decision then you can ask the DWP for a “written statement of reasons”.

This statement explains why the decision was made.

If you still believe the decision is wrong then you can ask for the DWP to look at your application again.

This is called a “mandatory reconsideration” and is free to ask for.

You can ask the DWP to look at your application again if:

• You think the office that dealt with your claim made an error or missed important evidence
• You disagree with the reason for the decision
• You want the decision to be looked at again

Another option is to go through the appeal process.

During this process you will need to provide evidence to a tribunal and appear at a hearing.

You only have a month to dispute a decision, so you need to seek advice quickly.

But you can ask for it after one month if you have a good reason, for example if you have been in hospital or had a bereavement.

Visit gov.uk/mandatory-reconsideration for more information and to start the process.

A DWP spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting pensioners and our drive to boost uptake of Pension Credit has already seen a 152% increase in claims.

“To help make Pension Credit applications as accurate as possible, we continue to urge people to check their eligibility via gov.uk for a benefit that could be worth on average £3,900 per year.”

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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

There are many ways you make extra money online, one of the most popular is using survey platforms. By using one of these platforms’ users earn cash or gift vouchers that they can use freely.  

Below we have compared the top 3 survey platform to earn extra cash so you can decide which one you should use. You could use multiple platforms to make the most of the rewards, but remember, consistency is key as earning points can take some time.  

The three platforms include Survey Junkie, Inbox Dollars and Swagbucks.  

Our choice: Swagbucks  

After research, we would choose Swagbucks to sign up to due to the variety of ways to earn and the sign-up bonuses! 

Recognised by Linkedin as a legitimate and reliable way to earn money online since 2008. There are 20 different ways to earn money, giving users a variety of tasks and keeping it interesting. The main ones include, Surveys, paying games, watching videos and online shopping. This means you can include your normal browsing behavior’s and earn. 

Sign Up bonuses – A $10 sign up bonus as well as bonus points when you refer a friend. Additionally, if you earn 300 points in your first 30 days the platform will award you with 300 free points the following month. A great way to stay motivated and maximize your earnings 

Earning potential – On average users earn $2-5 a day equaling $730-1,825 a year. 

Drawbacks – Users report waiting a long time for their rewards to be processed, which is not compatible with those who are looking for instant cash. 

 Interested? Find out more about Swagbucks here.

Established in 2000 and recognized as a Better Business Bureau accreditation. A platform you can trust to pay you for your completed tasks which include surveys, watching videos and using the platform’s web engine for genuine searches. 

Sign up bonuses – A low signup bonus of $1. 

Earning potential – Average of $50-300 a month for users. When you use the Inbox Dollars search engine you win scratch cards to earn more. 

How to redeem – You can redeem your points in cash via PayPal or in gift cards to popular retailers. 

Drawback- You must earn a minimum of $15 before being able to redeem and the processing time can take a long time. 

Interested? Find out more about Inbox Dollars 

One of the most popular survey platforms with over 20 million users due to its accessible and simple interface. You can complete surveys, watch videos, play games as well as sign up to surf-to-earn and be rewarded when you browse the web. Surf-to-earn allows Survey Junkie access into your browsing habits so they can track your patterns and trends. 

Earning potential – Average of $40 a month when completing 3 surveys daily  

How to redeem – Through PayPal to redeem cash or request gift cards for retailers such as Target, Walmart and Amazon.  

Drawback – Users report experience limited number of tasks once their account matures, they have fewer chances to earn points. 

 Interested? Find out more about Survey Junkie here.

So, Which one is best? 

Swagbucks – Best for those looking for a variety of ways to make money online with great bonus rewards. 

Inbox Dollars – Best for those who are looking for a reliable way to make money and those who are often using their search engine to browse and shop. 

Survey Junkie – Best for those looking for simple ways to make extra money through surveys. 

A MAJOR energy supplier with 6.8million customers will start issuing a £160 payment to thousands of customers from next month.

Octopus Energy is giving eligible customers extra cash through the Warm Home Discount to help reduce their bills this winter.

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The supplier has now said that it will begin issuing the payment from October.

It added that all eligible customers will have the discount applied to their electricity bills by March 31, 2025 at the very latest.

Between now and December, the government will issue letters to households that are eligible for the scheme.

The eligibility requirements for the Warm Home Discount are the same as last year.

To qualify for the Warm Home Discount, you need to claim either the guaranteed credit element of pension credit or a different qualifying benefit form the list below:

If you weren’t claiming any of the above benefits on August 11, 2024, you won’t be eligible for the payment.

Where someone claims a qualifying benefit, the government will assess their energy costs based on the type, age and size of property. 

Around 880,000 pensioners are eligible for pension credit but not claiming it.

As well as missing out on a £300 winter fuel payments, they won’t get the £150 Warm Home Discount payment.

Even if you weren’t getting pension credit on August 11, thousands of pensioners who apply for the benefit now can still qualify for the £150 payment.

This is because pension credit rules allow first-time claimants to backdate their benefit entitlement by three months.

So you’ll need to launch your claim by Friday, October 11 and then successfully get it backdated to cover the August 11 Warm Home Discount qualifying date.

But if you fail to apply before this date you’ll miss out.

We’ve explained everything you need to know about Octopus Energy’s scheme below.

Do I need to apply for the discount?

Households in England and Wales don’t have to apply to get the cash and receive it automatically.

You should look out for a letter between October 2024 and early January 2025 telling you:

• You’re eligible and you’ll get the discount automatically; or
• You might be eligible, and you need to give more information.
• The letter will tell you to call the helpline by 29 February 2024 to confirm your details.

If you don’t get the letter by early January 2024 and you think you’re eligible, you need to call the helpline on 0800 030 9322.

If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2025. 

Some Scottish households do have to apply for the discount.

In Scotland there’s a “core group” that’ll receive an automatic payment and a “broader group” which has to apply for the scheme with their energy provider.

You’ll need to check with your energy supplier directly to see the eligibility requirements and details on how to apply.

The scheme will have more applicants than places, so make sure you apply as soon as possible.

Octopus Energy customers can apply by visiting octopus.energy/login/?next=/dashboard/new/accounts/warm-home-discount/.

How will I receive the discount from Octopus Energy?

If you pay by direct debit or on receipt of your bill the £150 Warm Home Discount will be added to your electricity account as a credit.

If you have a traditional prepayment meter, Octopus Energy will send you a voucher you can use to top up your meter at your nearest Paypoint kiosk.

You can find your closest one by visiting consumer.paypoint.com/cashout.

If you’ve got a smart prepayment meter, Octopus Energy will send the discount directly to your meter as a credit.

It will then send you an email to let you know it’s on there.

 Introduction

As the 2024 fiscal year draws to a close, small businesses face the critical task of examining their financial strategies to maximize tax benefits. Effective end-of-year financial planning is essential not just for tax savings but also for setting the stage for future financial health and business growth. This guide provides detailed insights into how businesses can harness various tax planning strategies to enhance their financial outcomes as they transition into the new year.

 The Significance of End-of-Year Financial Planning

End-of-year financial planning is pivotal for businesses looking to optimize their financial performance and tax liabilities. This process involves a thorough review of the company’s financial activities, to maximize tax deductions, take advantage of available credits, and plan for upcoming tax obligations. Proper planning ensures that businesses do not miss out on opportunities to reduce their tax burden and improve their overall financial standing.

 Key Strategies for Maximizing Tax Benefits

1. Accelerate Deductions:

– Consider prepaying expenses that can be deducted in the current tax year. This might include office supplies, business insurance premiums, or professional fees. Additionally, using a pay stub generator can help businesses efficiently manage payroll expenses and ensure accurate records, further aiding in year-end deductions.

2. Defer Income:

– If possible, defer income to the next fiscal year, especially if you anticipate being in a lower tax bracket. This strategy can be particularly effective for businesses that have control over when they bill clients or receive payments.

3. Capitalize on Retirement Plans:

– Maximize contributions to retirement plans such as 401(k)s or SEP IRAs. These contributions not only secure future financial stability for employees and business owners but also reduce current taxable income.

4. Utilize Loss Harvesting:

– Review your investment portfolio for any unrealized losses and consider selling off underperforming assets to offset gains. This strategy, known as loss harvesting, can significantly reduce capital gains taxes.

5. Review Asset Depreciation:

– Take advantage of depreciation deductions by purchasing business equipment or vehicles that qualify for Section 179 or bonus depreciation. This can lead to substantial tax savings, especially if large purchases were planned for early the next year.

6. Manage Inventory Effectively:

– Conduct a year-end inventory review and write down any obsolete or unsellable inventory. Reducing inventory through proper valuation can decrease taxable income.

 Additional Considerations

1. Charitable Contributions:

– If your business plans to make charitable donations, consider making them before the year ends to claim deductions. Ensure that contributions are made to qualified organizations to be eligible for tax benefits.

2. Energy-Efficient Improvements:

– Invest in energy-efficient upgrades for your business facilities. Many governments offer tax credits for businesses that implement green technologies, which can lead to direct tax savings.

3. Tax Credit Eligibility:

– Stay informed about any new tax credits for which your business may be eligible. Tax credits can directly reduce the amount of tax owed, unlike deductions, which reduce the amount of income subject to tax.

 Conclusion

End-of-year financial planning is a crucial exercise that requires careful consideration and strategic action. By employing these strategies, businesses can not only minimize their tax liabilities but also position themselves for improved profitability and growth in the coming year. Always consult with a tax professional to tailor these strategies to your specific business needs and ensure compliance with the latest tax laws. As 2024 ends, proactive financial planning and execution will be key to leveraging tax benefits and setting a positive tone for 2025.