Money
Specific locations where you can buy rare Quality Street flavour returning to shelves this Christmas
QUALITY Street fans will be keen to find out where they can get their hands on a family-favourite sweet which was previously discontinued.
Nestle is bringing back the popular coffee-flavoured fondant wrapped in dark chocolate for the second Christmas in a row.
The Coffee Creme flavour was a staple included in Quality Street tubs more than 20 years ago and was reintroduced last year by the chocolatier.
Fans of the festive treat will be able to get it again this year, but will not be able to find the delicious flavour by rummaging through their usual Quality Street tubs though.
Instead, this Christmas they can be found at 20 pick and mix stations at certain John Lewis shops in the UK.
The first pick and mix station opened on Wednesday at John Lewis’s flagship store on Oxford Street in London.
Read More on Quality Street
Other stores in areas including Leicester, Milton Keynes, Liverpool and Solihull will begin rolling out the selections throughout October.
You can see the full list of stores where they are available below.
Shoppers can purchase a Quality Street tin in the shop or bring their own to fill up.
Pick and mix tins cost £17 but the price drops to £14 if you bring your own tin from a previous year.
But shoppers who don’t live near a John Lewis pick and mix station do not need to worry as they will still be able to get their hands on the festive treat elsewhere too.
The Coffee Cremes will also be available in limited-edition crackers online and in Waitrose and John Lewis stores for £5.50.
Plus chocolate-lovers can also buy a pouch containing the beloved sweets for £4.50.
The crackers and pouches can be picked up in all 34 John Lewis stores and more than 270 Waitrose stores.
A 813g tin of Quality Street without Coffee Cremes costs £12 at Waitrose.
But Tesco shoppers with a Clubcard can pick up a 600g tub for just £3.95.
John Lewis said: “We couldn’t not listen to our loyal Quality Street fans when they pleaded with us to bring back Coffee Creme for another year… so we are delighted to reveal that you have one more chance to get your hands on this iconic sweet!
“This indulgent little chocolate packs a powerful flavour punch with its creamy coffee fondant centre, encased in a smooth, luxurious dark chocolate.”
Coffee Creme is one of 12 flavours that shoppers can add to their tins at the John Lewis pick and Mix stations and popular flavours including the green triangle are also available.
Plus this year Quality Street has a range of new products exclusive to John Lewis and Waitrose.
When do Quality Street pick and mixes open?
Shoppers can make their own selection of Quality Street chocolates this Christmas at pick and mix stations across the country.
These stations will be available at John Lewis shops on the following dates:
- Oxford Street – September 22
- Cambridge – September 30
- Bluewater – September 30
- Trafford – October 1
- Edinburgh – October 1
- Newcastle – October 2
- Leeds – October 3
- Leicester – October 8
- Solihull – October 3
- Liverpool – October 2
- Cheadle – October 2
- Nottingham – October 3
- Peter Jones – October 4
- Milton Keynes – October 7
- Cardiff – October 8
- Cribbs – October 8
- High Wycombe – October 7
- Southampton – October 7
One of the tins which is only available at John Lewis and Waitrose and features a street in Halifax, West Yorkshire, where Quality Street was created in 1936.
Nestle has also launched a new version of its 813g tin which is available at all major supermarkets.
The limited-edition tub features all the usual flavours and has a beautiful lid showing a Christmas scene.
The tin is £12 and is available now across a range of retailers nationwide including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Asda, Co-op and Morrisons.
The full list of chains you can get it from include:
- Asda
- Co-op
- B&M
- Morrisons
- Nisa
- Ocado
- Sainsbury’s
- Booths
- Spar
- Waitrose
This Christmas there’s also a new limited-edition hazelnut frothy coffee inspired by the Green Triangle Quality Street flavour.
You can buy seven sachets for £2.35 at Morrisons.
Plus supermarkets including Sainsbury’s and Tesco have released the details of their Christmas ranges.
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
Money
Best end of season sales revealed including up to 75% off at Dunelm and 10p B&M bargains
SUMMER is firmly behind us but that throws up the chance to grab some major bargains.
A number of retailers have slashed prices in their end of season sales with up to 90% off.
Shoppers can snap up planters, suitcases and even solar-powered garden lights from just 10p.
Of course, always remember if you’re considering buying any of the items below to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
We have picked our favourites from the summer sales but there might be other retailers selling the same or similar item for less.
You can use price comparison sites like Price Spy or Trolley to find out how much one item is selling for across different websites.
The Google Shopping/Product tab is also a quick way to scan the internet to see how much a specific item is selling for.
Make sure to factor in delivery costs for items too, as this can make buying from one retailer more expensive than another.
In any case, here are our eight top picks from the end of season sales.
Homebase – Solar Company party lantern, £2 (75% off)
Homebase is selling a solar-powered lantern for just £2 down from £8 – a 75% discount.
The light features a lattice design making it ideal for outdoor parties or gatherings where it can be hung from trees, pergolas or hooks.
Unfortunately, the lantern isn’t available to order via delivery but you can click and collect it from your local Homebase branch for free.
You can find your nearest Homebase branch by using the retailer’s store locator tool on its website.
You’ll want to be fast though as stocks are running low.
If the party lantern doesn’t take your fancy, Homebase has slashed prices on homeware, garden furniture and cleaning products.
Shoppers can get a four-drawer bathroom storage unit for £20, down from £45 or a crackle ball solar outdoor light for £2 instead of £4.50.
B&M – Planters, 10p (80% off)
B&M shoppers are rushing to buy planters selling for 10p instead of 50p – an 80% discount.
The discounter is known for selling all kinds of bargains, not least homeware.
And shoppers in one B&M branch spotted the planters selling for just 10p each.
It’s worth bearing in mind, the planters might not be 10p at your local branch so check with staff before heading to your local store.
If you’re looking to snap up some other B&M 10p bargains, you should download the B&M scanner app for free on to your smart phone.
You can use the app to scan barcodes in-branch to find out their real price, and sometimes they are cheaper than the price tag.
Shoppers in recent months have found a Black and Decker power washer for 10p instead of £100 and street sauces for 10p too.
House of Fraser – Puma Long Sleeve Women’s T-shirt, £4 (89% off)
House of Fraser has slashed the cost of its grey and black long-sleeve women’s T-shirts from £35 to just £4.
Bear in mind there are only XXL and XXXL sizes left.
House of Fraser has hundreds of other products included in its clearance sale, with some giant discounts to be had on men’s, women’s and kid’s fashion.
We spotted a Tommy Hilfiger Blouse on sale for £11 instead of £35 and Calvin Klein jeans for £17 instead of £55.
B&Q – La Hacienda Firepit, £40 (47% off)
B&Q is selling a La Hacienda Firepit for £40, down from £76, ideal for social gatherings over the colder months.
The pit comes with a steel drum and oil finish and is filled with wood to create a toasty fire.
Bear in mind, B&Q shoppers keen to snap one of these up should place a separate patio slab or brick base underneath the pit as it can stain the floor.
B&Q has also slashed prices on a number of other garden, kitchen and DIY items in its clearance sale, including a cast iron chiminea from £80 to £50 and a decorating set from £30 to £17.
The Range – Mariana Single Foldable Hanging Chair, £100 (47% off)
The Range has cut the price of its Single Foldable Hanging Chair from £190 to £100, offering shoppers 47% off.
You can also snap up a double size chair in the same style which costs £180 instead of £290 – a 38% discount.
Both chairs come with either one or two cushions and pillows and are made out of rattan resin wickers.
If the chairs don’t take your fancy, The Range has discounted dozens of other products across its garden, DIY and homeware departments.
Shoppers can get 10% off a pavilion gazebo selling for £360 instead of £400 or a rattan patio table for £40 instead of £50.
Next – Novogratz Mint Green Wibbly Wobbly Medium Mirror, £55 (63% off)
Bag this Next mirror for £55 instead of £150 – a 63% discount.
The mint green mirror is 100cm in height, 60cm wide and 2cm deep.
If you’re after something else, Next has cut prices on a host of homeware items as well as fashion bits, including a French Connection ceiling light for £85.
There is also a Catalina metal bed frame on sale for £195 instead of £450 and a set of two tennis tea towels for £4.50 instead of £14.
Asda – Cuba Black six-piece patio set, £54.50 (50% off)
Asda customers can bag this six-piece patio set for just £54.50 instead of £109 – that’s a 50% discount.
The set combines four folding chairs, a parasol and table with glass surface.
There is also a handy one-year guarantee on the set in case any issues arise.
Unfortunately click and collect isn’t available on this product and the delivery charge is a hefty £6.75 so bear that in mind before buying.
Asda has also cut prices on some of its other garden furniture including a metal sofa set which is scanning at £69.50 instead of £97.30.
Meanwhile, shoppers can snap up a green twirl planter for £3 instead of £6.
Plus, there are savings to be had on fashion, electricals and toys.
Dunelm – Constellation Skyline Hard Shell Suitcase, £17.50 (50% off)
Summer might be behind us but it might be worth buying this suitcase from Dunelm for the next one.
The retailer has cut the price on its blue-coloured cabin case to £17.50 from £35.
You can also pick up a medium case for £20 instead of £40 at 50% off.
Dunelm shoppers can pick up curtains, bed sheets and mattresses for up to 50% off as well.
There is also a two-drawer Lynton bedside table on sale for £49.50 instead of £99.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
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
Money
Unusual character to spot on rare 50p coin that makes it worth 400 times face value – do you have one in your change?
WHAT looks like small change could actually be a small fortune if you know what to look for.
One rare 50p coin featuring a cartoon boy fetched £200 at auction late last month.
It’s no secret that rare coins can fetch significant sums thanks to unique errors, low mintage numbers, or distinct features.
The coin in question was designed for the 2012 London Olympics as part of a Blue Peter competition.
The winning design was created by Florence Jackson, a 9-year-old from Bristol, in 2009.
Her depiction of a high jumper mid-flight was selected from an impressive 17,000 entries.
Coin enthusiasts have long been on the hunt for The Royal Mint’s Olympic 50ps.
Most of these coins were released into circulation in 2011, just before the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
There are 29 different designs to collect, each showcasing a different Olympic sport, such as Taekwondo, Wheelchair Rugby, Gymnastics, Cycling, Boxing, and Archery.
What makes this specific Blue Peter coin, recently sold at auction, particularly special is its rarity.
While over 2.2 million Blue Peter coins, also known as Athletics 50ps, were issued, the majority were minted in 2011.
These 2011-dated coins, though popular among collectors, typically aren’t worth much more than their face value.
However, the coin that fetched £200 at RWB Auctions is one of just 20,000 minted in 2009, making it an exceptionally rare find.
Jon White, founder of RWB Auctions, said: “Collectors love Olympic 50p coins but there are a few rare coins from this collection that they should watch out for.
“One example is the Athletics 50p with a 2009 date. This coin was minted a few years before the rest of the Olympic 50p coins, which were released by The Royal Mint in 2011.
“You will usually find these 2009 Athletic coins in a little card package with a Blue Peter logo on it since the design for the coin was chosen as part of a Blue Peter competition.
“Because these coins are scarce, they have been known to sell for £200 or more.”
The coin was sold on behalf of a private collector on September 25.
What are the most rare and valuable coins?
CHECK IF YOU HAVE A RARE COIN
Rare coins and valuable notes can be worth tens of thousands of times their face value.
But sometimes it’s just tiny differences which make them so lucrative.
The most valuable coins tend to be ones with low mintage numbers or an error.
Those qualities typically make them valuable to collectors.
Your next step would be to check if your coin is still available to purchase in superior Brilliant Uncirculated quality from an official Royal Mint distributor, according to Change Checker.
Certified Brilliant Uncirculated coins have been specially struck to a superior unblemished quality which set them apart from the coins you may find in pockets.
How do I safely store valuable coins?
HERE are some tricks to keep your valuable coins safe from toning:
- Store your coins in individual containers
- Put it in a clear, air tight holder that lets you see the coin from both sides
- Avoid putting them in clear plastic sandwich bags because they can still rub against each other an may cause scratches or marks
- Store your collection in a folder or album, although tarnishing may occur quicker than in an airtight container
- Keep them out of a damp environment. You can use silica gel to help prevent damp
- Wear clean, white gloves when handling the coins
- Steer clear of using PVC materials as it traps moisture and releases acidic gases which can damage the collection.
SELLING YOUR RARE COINS
There are many different factors to consider when trying to value a coin, including its condition and mintage, so it’s important to do your homework first.
If you’ve got a coin that you would like to sell at auction, you can contact The Royal Mint’s Collectors Service.
It has a team of experts who can help you to authenticate and value your coin.
You’ll need to enquire via email, and a member of the valuation team will contact get back to you.
Take a picture of your coin and attach this to the email – you can find the details on The Royal Mint’s website.
Be aware that you will be charged for this service though – the cost will vary depending on the size of your collection.
If you are looking to buy a coin online through a marketplace such as eBay, it’s important to know exactly what you are purchasing.
This is because anyone can list a coin on eBay and charge whatever amount they wish.
You should also be wary of fakes online – and keep in mind that on eBay a buyer could pull out, which means the coin won’t have sold for the price it says it has.
Meanwhile, we have put together a guide on the rarest and most valuable coins.
We also tell you what you should do if you find a lucky penny in your pocket.
Money
We rent luxury cabins on Airbnb but ‘sour grapes’ neighbours are trying to rip them down – one even helped us build them
A COUPLE who rent out luxury cabins on Airbnb have been ordered to tear down two of their properties following a bitter feud with neighbours.
Former cop Rhys Gronow, 47, and emergency call operator wife Roisin, 53, pooled their savings to buy a quiet cottage in the Welsh countryside after Rhys was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The couple forked out an extra £20,000 to nab two eco-friendly glamping homes and a bathroom area in Rhydlewis to let out to visitors.
But a cluster of seething neighbours have slammed the couple after allegedly hearing “late-night parties, traffic and noise.”
A furious Roisin hit back.
“We came up here for a quiet life and it has been anything but. I will not let these people dictate to me,” she said.
One complaint claimed that “multiple families” would party “late into the evening,” but Roisin alleged that “sour grapes” were at the heart of the grievances.
She added that it was unlikely that two holiday cabins could be responsible for an upsurge in traffic.
One of the complaints said “multiple families” would party “late into the evening” at the cabins – and planning officials refused permission for the lodges to stay.
She continued: “The planning officer who refused it didn’t even come out to see the property. If they had they would see there is space for around 10 cars.
“My husband and I have one car between us and most of the guests who visit us are regular visitors with just one car.
“That’s three cars in total.
“That’s the disappointing thing, we mostly get young families who just want to get outside with their children and experience somewhere new.
Roisin also hit out at one of those who complained, alleging that they had five cars outside their home.
“That is much more of a traffic disruption,” she claimed.
“Our guests actually contribute to the local shops and businesses and I think that has been forgotten about.”
Roisin said the couple – who formerly worked 100 miles away for South Wales Police based in Cardiff – erected the wooden cabins in the cottage grounds in just three days in 2019.
Roisin said it took her “around two weeks” to her to varnish the glamping pods and then applied for planning permission.
She said: “It was on again off again due to Covid and eventually they told us we needed to reapply.”
And she has vowed to fight back with an appeal after their planning application was rejected by Ceredigion County Council.
We came up here for a quiet life and it has been anything but. I will not let these people dictate to me.
Roisin Gronow
Their Instagram page has several positive reviews from guests and the only review on TripAdvisor also gives it five stars.
One guest wrote: “Our cabin was so cute and the stream running down in front was so therapeutic.”
Five neighbours objected to the application as did Troedyraur Community Council with concerns over increased traffic in the village of Rhydlewis.
One objector said: “All guests have use of an ‘entertainment’ area situated at the bottom of the applicant’s garden which backs on to a number of residents’ properties.
“There can be multiple families using this social area which includes loud music, singing, and shouting over the music.
“A loud party is enjoyed by all often late into the evenings including weeknights. The location of this site negatively impacts the lives of a number of residents which is not fair.”
The officer’s report for Ceredigion Council recommended refusal, saying: “In light of receipt of several neighbour objections to this development the potential harm to immediate neighbours has been thoroughly assessed.
“Given the rural location of the development site it is considered that the siting of the cabins are close to neighbouring properties on both north and south boundaries.
“The relatively restricted area of land provide for the siting of all three cabins would result in an unacceptable intensified use which would likely result in excessive noise and disturbance to nearby occupiers thus causing demonstrable harm to the living conditions that could be reasonably expected within such a rural village.
“Given that the development has previously been run unlawfully the effects of the development on neighbouring amenity is confirmed by representations received as part of this application.”
The Sun has reached out to Ceredigion County Council for comment.
Money
I was left without heating and hot water for MONTHS but a little-known grant worth £4,500 saved me
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.
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.
What to do if you can’t pay your bills
FALLING behind on your energy bills can be extremely stressful.
If you’re struggling to pay what you owe, contact your supplier as soon as possible.
Your provider has to help you come up with a solution, and you should be able to negotiate a deal that works for you both.
One option is to agree a payment plan where you pay off your debts in affordable instalments.
You may be able to pay off your debts directly from your benefits through the Fuel Direct Scheme.
A fixed amount will automatically be taken to cover what you owe plus your usage.
To be eligible, you must be getting one of the following benefits:
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income support
- income-related employment and support allowance
- Pension credit
- Universal Credit (but only if you’re not working)
If you cannot come to an agreement with your supplier, they may try to force you to get a prepayment meter installed.
In very rare cases, where you refuse to negotiate, your supplier might threaten you with disconnection.
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.
Money
Podcast: CFDs in football – the ugly side to the beautiful game
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.
Money
How to get your Pension Credit claim accepted as over a third REJECTED – and why you should always try again
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.
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.
Read More on Pension Credit
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.”
Pension Credit explained
Pension Credit is a benefit which gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re on a low income in retirement.
It can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
You may be able to get extra help of you’re a carer, have a disability, or are responsible for a child.
It also opens up access to lots of other benefits such as the warm home discount scheme, support for mortgage interest, council tax discounts, free TV licences once you’re over 75, and help with NHS costs.
To qualify, you need to be over state pension age and live in England, Scotland or Wales.
If you have a partner, you need to include them on your claim.
Pension Credit tops up:
- your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single
- your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner
However, even if your income is higher, you might still qualify if you have a disability or caring responsibilities.
There is also another element to Pension Credit called savings credit. To get this, you need to have saved some money towards your retirement.
You can get an extra £17.01 a week for a single person or £19.04 a week for a married couple.
If you have more than £10,000 in savings, the government uses a calculation to work out how much it adds to your income.
Every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week. For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week.
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.
What will I get when I claim Pension Credit?
SOME people will receive thousands of pounds once they claim Pension Credit, while others will be given just pennies.
But it is still worth making a claim either way as it opens the door to more financial help.
Once you claim Pension Credit you may receive:
- Housing Benefit if you rent – worth thousands a year.
- Mortgage Interest support – on up to £100,000 of your mortgage or loan.
- Council tax discount – worth thousands each year.
- Free TV licence if you are aged over 75 – worth £169.50 a year.
- NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments help.
- Royal Mail redirection service discount – worth up to £48.
- Warm Home Discount if you get Guaranteed Pension Credit – worth £150.
- Cold Weather Payment – worth £25 for every seven day period of cold weather between November 1 and March 31.
- Winter Fuel Allowance – worth up to £300 a year.
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
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