THE Winter Fuel Payment is paid at two rates with older people receiving £100 more than those closer to the state pension age.

The benefit is paid to help those over the state pension age of 66 with their energy bills over the winter months.

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It is worth up to £300 and was previously paid universally to all pensioners.

But from this year it will be means tested and only those on certain benefits will be eligible to receive funds.

Those on Pension Credit, Income Support, Tax Credits and Universal Credit remain eligible for the payment, but 10million are set to miss out.

The amount people receive through the payment depends on when they were born.

It is worth £200 for eligible households where all residents were born  between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958, or £300 for eligible households where someone is aged over 80.

To qualify for this year’s benefit, you must be 66 or over and have had an active claim for one of the qualifying benefits during what’s known as the “qualifying week” – this year, from September 16 to 22.

However, Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months, so those who think they may be eligible for the benefit still have time to make a claim.

As long as claims are made by December 21, they will be able to access this year’s winter fuel allowance.

The changes to the winter fuel allowance have prompted faced a backlash from charities and campaigners since it was first announced.

Its impact was revealed when thousands of Sun readers flooded The Sun’s Winter Fuel SOS helpline earlier this month, looking for help to hang on to the payment.

The Sun has since launched a free tool to help you check whether you will get the winter fuel payment this year.

Even if you’re not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment you may still be able to get £150 off your energy costs through the Warm Home Discount scheme.

There are two Warm Home Discount schemes – one for England and Wales, and one for Scotland.

Those living in England and Wales do not need to apply for the scheme, but those living in Scotland do.

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

However, to be eligible for the discount households must have had an active claim for any of the following benefits on Sunday, August 11:

There may also be help available through the Household Support Fund, which is administered through local authorities.

The fund is worth £421million and aims to help with gas, electricity, and food during the winter months.

To find out what support you could access contact your local council.

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

Consumer reporter Sam Walker explains all you need to know about the payment.

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free benefit designed to help cover the cost of heating through the colder months.

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Most who are eligible receive the payment automatically.

Those who qualify are usually told via a letter sent in October or November each year.

If you do meet the criteria but don’t automatically get the Winter Fuel Payment, you will have to apply on the government’s website.

You’ll qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if:

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• you were born on or before September 23, 1958
• you lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of September 16 to 22, 2024, known as the “qualifying week”
• you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, ESA, JSA, Income Support, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit

If you did not live in the UK during the qualifying week, you might still get the payment if both the following apply:

• you live in Switzerland or a EEA country
• you have a “genuine and sufficient” link with the UK social security system, such as having lived or worked in the UK and having a family in the UK

But there are exclusions – you can’t get the payment if you live in Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain.

This is because the average winter temperature is higher than the warmest region of the UK.

You will also not qualify if you:

• are in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
• need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave states that you can not claim public funds
• were in prison for the whole “qualifying week”
• lived in a care home for the whole time between 26 June to 24 September 2023, and got Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Payments are usually made between November and December, with some made up until the end of January the following year.

CHECK IF YOU QUALIFY FOR PENSION CREDIT

Pension credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner and can give you access to the winter fuel allowance.

This is known as “guarantee credit”.

If your income is lower than this, you’re very likely to be eligible for the benefit.

However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.

You could get an extra £81.50 a week if you have a disability or claim any of the following:

• Attendance allowance
• The middle or highest rate from the care component of disability living allowance (DLA)
• The daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP)
• Armed forces independence payment
• The daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate.

You could get the “savings credit” part of pension credit if both of the following apply:

• You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016
• You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension

This part of pension credit is worth £17.01 for single people or £19.04 for couples.

Pension credit opens the door to other support, including housing benefits, cost of living payments, council tax reductions and the winter fuel payment.

Claims for pension credit also open doors to a number of freebies and discounts.

For example, pension credit claimants over 75 qualify for a free TV licence worth up to £169.50 a 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

Ninety One has announced that it will adopt the ‘Sustainability Impact’ label on its Global Environment Fund from 1 December.

The firm claims the fund will become one of the first to use this label under the Financial Conduct Authority’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) regime.

The fund is managed by Deirdre Cooper, head of sustainable equity, and Graeme Baker, co-portfolio manager.

The global equity portfolio provides exposure to the multi-decade structural growth opportunity from decarbonisation, driven by the need to transition to net zero.

The fund focuses on identifying businesses whose structural growth is driven by decarbonisation across three key pathways: renewable energy, resource efficiency and electrification.

Cooper said: “As an active, global investment manager, Ninety One’s goal is to provide long-term investment returns for its clients while making a positive difference to people and the planet.

“The Global Environment Fund’s unconstrained and focused approach, combined with a long-term investment horizon and active engagement, is a powerful way to invest in decarbonisation.

“The adoption of the ‘Sustainability Impact’ label by the Global Environment Fund is testament to our commitment to have a quantifiable carbon saving impact, enabling the transition to a net zero world.”

Ninety One, established in South Africa in 1991 as Investec Asset Management, is a global investment manager managing £127.4bn in assets.

The firm said it will be writing to the fund’s shareholders shortly with details of the updates to the prospectus, which are being made to align the relevant disclosures with the SDR.

The FCA’s sustainability rules for firms come into force on 2 December. However, the regulator recently offered firms flexibility and extended the deadline to next April.

The sustainability rules are designed to protect consumers by ensuring sustainable products and services they are sold are accurately described.

This will include model portfolios, customised portfolios and/or bespoke portfolio management services.

TESCO has brought back an iconic Christmas treat from the 80s, with shoppers claiming “I don’t care how much – I’m buying it”.

The retro dessert, returning to supermarket shelves after a four-decade hiatus, is on sale for £10.

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An alternative to traditional Christmas fruit cake, the Tunis Cake is a Madeira sponge, spread with a thick layer of chocolate.

It’s decorated with vanilla-flavoured icing in vibrant pink and orange colours, along with a trio of marzipan fruit.

After news spread of the long-awaited return, social media users rushed to share their excitement.

One particularly elated customer thought nothing of the £10 price tag, saying: “OMG I am buying this I don’t care! These always make me think of Nanny.”

Another echoed: “My mum brought for Christmas. Glad it’s back. Happy memories.”

Others described the nostalgic treat as “immense” and “a blast from the past”.

The Tunis Cake was a festive staple in the 80s, but its origins actually stretch all the way back to Edwardian times.

It was popularised in the 1930s, when Scottish bakery Macfarlane Lang’s put in British stores for the first time.

The company then merged with biscuit giant McVities, who continued churning out the cake until the 1980s.

Tesco‘s modern version is produced by bakery Say it with Cake.

It comes as another nostalgic product – by Cadbury’s – was also spotted at B&M stores this month.

Fans had feared the Fuse Bar had gone extinct years ago, before it reappeared in a miniature grab-bag version in the budget store.

One said: “I can’t believe the fuse is back! Its about time.”

Another wrote on Facebook: “Wow fuse! Need to get them haven’t seen them in a long time.”

How to save money on your food shop

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year:

Odd boxes – plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price.

Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain £10 worth of all kinds of products for £3.30.

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Sainsbury’s also sells £2 “Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me” fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash.

Food waste apps – food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public.

Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio.

Too Good to Go’s app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount.

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Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses.

Yellow sticker bargains – yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap.

But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here.

Super cheap bargains – sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they’ve found on the cheap, including food finds.

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“Downshift” – you will almost always save money going for a supermarket’s own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands.

The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as “downshifting” and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop.

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The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides financial support to individuals who can no longer work due to long-lasting medical impairments. 

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, SSDI offers vital benefits that help disabled workers maintain a basic standard of living. As of April 2024, approximately 7.3 million individuals received disabled worker benefits from Social Security. 

The benefits also extended to their family members, including 86,000 spouses and 1.1 million children under the age of 18. However, navigating the financial challenges during the waiting period for SSDI benefits can be difficult. 

This article will outline effective financial strategies to manage this critical time while awaiting approval and benefits.

Understanding the SSDI Waiting Period

The waiting period for benefits can be a significant hurdle for applicants. According to AARP, in the late 2010s, the Social Security Administration (SSA) processed initial disability benefit applications within 110 to 120 days. 

However, during the first eight months of the 2024 federal fiscal year, this average ballooned to 230 days. This extended timeline can add considerable stress for those awaiting financial support.

Once an application is submitted, if it is denied, the first step in appealing is a reconsideration, which averages seven months. If this reconsideration is also denied, applicants face an additional wait of about 15 months before they can have a hearing. 

Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley noted that 30,000 individuals died in 2023 while their claims were still pending.

The approval rates for SSDI applications reflect these challenges. According to USAFacts, only about one in three processed disability applications was approved in 2022. Many denials stemmed from applicants not meeting the SSA’s non-medical or “technical” requirements. However, for those who did meet these initial criteria, the approval rate was approximately 53%.

Navigating this complex process can be difficult, which is where an SSDI lawyer can provide invaluable assistance. These legal professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of SSDI claims. 

According to Russell & Hill, these attorneys can gather essential medical records, clarify any gaps in your application, and represent you during hearings. With their expertise, SSDI lawyers significantly increase the likelihood of securing benefits.

Financial Strategies During the Waiting Period

Financial strategies for navigating the waiting period include:

1. Budget Wisely

Here are some steps to consider:

• List all income sources: Include any savings, part-time work, or assistance from family and friends.
• Track expenses: Monitor your expenses by identifying both fixed and variable costs. Fixed expenses include items like rent or mortgage payments and utilities, while variable expenses cover things like groceries and entertainment.
• Put essential needs first: Prioritize expenses such as housing, food, and medical care.

1. Explore Alternative Income Sources

While waiting for SSDI benefits, exploring alternative income sources can be invaluable. If your health condition permits, consider seeking part-time work that allows for flexibility around your medical needs. Certain jobs or remote positions may offer manageable hours, allowing you to earn supplemental income without exacerbating your condition. 

Vocational rehabilitation programs may also provide support, helping you develop skills or explore roles suited to your current abilities. These programs can sometimes connect you with retraining opportunities tailored to meet the demands of less physically demanding or more flexible jobs.

Crowdfunding has become another useful option for those facing financial challenges during the SSDI waiting period. Platforms like GoFundMe allow individuals to raise money with the support of friends, family, and even the broader community. 

Creating a campaign that explains your situation can draw in support from people who want to assist you in meeting essential expenses. Together, these alternative income sources can help bridge the financial gap, providing some relief while awaiting approval.

2. Use Community Resources

Many communities offer resources for individuals facing financial hardship. NerdWallet highlights the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a highly valuable resource. SNAP offers eligible individuals and families an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card to help purchase food.

The National School Lunch Program also offers free or reduced-price lunches to students who qualify. This program can significantly reduce food costs for families with school-aged children.

You need to research local community resources, such as food banks, soup kitchens, and clothing closets. These organizations often provide essential goods and services to those in need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to receive my first SSDI payment after approval?

Once your SSDI application is approved, a five-month waiting period applies before you receive your first payment. For instance, if your disability began on June 15 of a given year and you submitted your application on July 1, your benefits would start in December of that same year.

Can I work while waiting for SSDI benefits?

Yes, you can work while waiting for SSDI benefits. However, there are income limits. Exceeding these limits might affect your benefits. It’s crucial to consult with the SSA or a benefits counsellor to understand the specific rules and how they might impact your situation.

What should I do if my SSDI application is denied?

If your application is denied, don’t get discouraged as you have a right to appeal the decision. The appeals process can take time but may result in back payments if approved later. Consider seeking help from legal advocates who specialize in disability claims to improve your chances of success.

Managing finances during the SSDI waiting period requires careful planning and resourcefulness. By budgeting wisely, exploring alternative income sources, and utilizing community resources, you can navigate this challenging time more effectively. Remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness; many resources are available to support you through this process.

In this week’s Weekend Essay, editor Tom Browne reflects on what lessons the media can learn from the US election results and the UK Budget.

From over-sensationalising political outcomes to the dangers of guessing in the absence of solid policies, Tom discusses how a more informed, sober approach is needed in today’s media landscape. Should the media focus less on polarisation and more on understanding voter behaviour?

CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and if you’re looking to stock up on Christmas chocolate tubs we’ve checked out the best offers around.

Everyone loves a sweet treat during the festive season and whether your preference is for Cadbury Heroes, Celebrations or a classic tub of Quality Street these are the cheapest prices.

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If you’re partial to a tub of Quality Street, both Aldi and Lidl are selling 600g tubs for £4.49 – making them the cheapest out there.

In comparison Sainsbury’s and Tesco are selling the chocolates for £4.50 for Nectar and Clubcard holders, while Asda has priced them at £6 individually, or £9 for two.

Morrisons is also pricing the tubs at £6, while Ocado is charging £5.

Quality Street was launched in 1936 and has been a favourite with families since.

The selection includes ‘the purple one’ which brings together hazelnut and caramel, the toffee finger, orange chocolate crunch, strawberry delight and ‘the green triangle’.

Cadbury Heroes lovers can also pick up 550g tubs for £4.50 from Sainsbury’s and Tesco if they are Nectar or Clubcard members.

Asda has Heroes tubs included in its two for £9 deal, meaning if you’re happy to double up you can pick them up at the supermarket for the same price as Tesco and Sainsbury’s shoppers.

Meanwhile, Aldi is selling the tubs for £4.99 and Morrisons for £6.

The Heroes selection includes Cadbury Dairy Milk, Twirl and Crunchie.

Celebrations are also available for £4.50 from Tesco for Clubcard members, or as part of Asda’s two for £9 deal.

Aldi is selling the tubs for £4.99, Sainsbury’s for £6 and Morrisons for £6.

The Celebrations selection includes Mars, Snickers, Twix, Bounty and Galaxy.

If you’re sharing chocolates with family this year and want to pick up a selection of tubs Asda’s two for £9 deal, which includes Quality Street, Cadbury Heroes, Celebrations, Cadbury Roses and a Swizzels assortment, may be the way to go.

Whatever you’re looking to stock up on ahead of Christmas make sure you shop around.

As we get closer to the big day shoppers can expect to see supermarkets offering more deals as they look to attract the lucrative festive spend.

Shoppers can check prices before they hit the supermarket aisles using comparison tools such as trolley.co.uk.

QUALITY STREET CHANGES FOR 2024

Customers discovered they can no longer visit their local John Lewis store to create personalised Quality Street tins this week.

The service had allowed shoppers to purchase a £17 tin with a personalised gift card and lid.

They could then fill these tins with their favourite Quality Street chocolates from dedicated pick-and-mix counter.

However, while the pick-and-mix counters still exist, shoppers can’t get a personalised Quality Street tin this winter.

Instead, they must opt for the £12 non-customised version.

However, Nestle did launch a new version of its 813g Quality Street tin in September.

The £12 tub features all the usual classic flavours and plays on Quality Street’s Halifax heritage – where it was first manufactured continues to be produced.

It can also be purchased empty and filled at any of John Lewis’ Quality Street pick and mix stations.

If you’re not fussed about the nostalgic tin or picking your chocolates, you’ll pay less for a different tub or packet.

This week, shoppers can pick up a plastic 600g tub from Lidl for £3.89 – 65p per 100g.

Nestle has also brought back a Quality Street fan-favourite for the second Christmas in a row.

The coffee creme flavour chocolate was last seen in Quality Street tubs over 20 years ago until the chocolatier reintroduced it last year.

The coffee-flavour fondant wrapped in dark chocolate has joined the 11 other Quality Street sweets at pick-and-mix stations across selected John Lewis stores in the UK.

They are also available in a limited-edition cracker at Waitrose and John Lewis stores for £5.50.

For the first time, Nestle has also launched paper tubs.

The tubs are available at 60 Tesco supermarkets.

Their introduction is part of a trial, and Nestle will gauge the product’s popularity among shoppers.

It claims the paper tub, adorned in the signature Quality Street purple, boasts a luxurious design and feel.

They feature a “re-close” mechanism that ensures the lid can be securely sealed even after opening.

This isn’t the first time Quality Street has introduced new packaging to make the festive favourites easier to recycle.

Nestle left shoppers outraged when it changed the Quality Street chocolate wrappers for the same reason in October 2022.

The iconic brightly coloured plastic and foil wrappers that had encased its famous chocolates for 86 years were replaced with a more understated form of waxed paper.

However, the introduction of new paper tubs does not signal the immediate discontinuation of plastic and metal Quality Street tins.

Shoppers can still buy 600g plastic tubs of Quality Street chocolates at most major supermarkets.

Tins containing over 800g of the festive chocolates continue to be available too.

How to save money on chocolate

We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don’t have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs…

Go own brand – if you’re not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you’ll save by going for the supermarket’s own brand bars.

Shop around – if you’ve spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it’s cheaper elsewhere.

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Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.

Look out for yellow stickers – supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they’ve been reduced.

They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.

Buy bigger bars – most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.

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So if you’ve got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.

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