You may qualify for PIP if you need extra help with everyday tasks due to an illness, disability or mental health condition
Levi Winchester Money Editor
03:00, 05 Mar 2026
The duration of awards for individuals making a new claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be extended from April to help reduce the backlog. PIP is the main disability benefit for people of working age in the UK.
You may qualify for PIP if you need extra help with everyday tasks due to an illness, disability or mental health condition. However, your eligibility to PIP isn’t based on your condition – it is based on how it affects your life. PIP is normally awarded for a set period of time and currently, this can be as short as nine months.
Advertisement
But under changes due to come into effect from April 2026, this is to be extended to a minimum of three years for the majority of new PIP claimants aged 25 and over, rising to five years at their next review if they remain entitled.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the measure aims to free up health professionals to carry out more face-to-face assessments and deliver more reassessments, reports the Mirror.
These operational changes are separate to the Timms Review, which will examine the role of PIP, eligibility for the daily living and mobility components and assessment process.
PIP comprises two elements – the daily living component, and the mobility component. The daily living rate is £73.90 a week if you’re awarded the standard rate, whilst the higher rate is £110.40 a week.
Advertisement
The mobility component is £29.20 per week for the standard rate, and £77.05 per week for the enhanced rate. You must inform the DWP if your health or condition has changed.
If you’re terminally ill, you typically receive PIP automatically without undergoing an assessment. If you are granted PIP under the special rules for terminal illness, your award will last for three years before being reviewed.
PIP is accessible if you are aged over 16 but below state pension age. If you claim PIP and reach state pension age, your claim will usually continue.
You may be able to submit a new claim at state pension age if you were eligible for PIP in the previous 12 months.
From April, certain train tickets will now only be refundable up to 11.59pm on the day before they become valid for travel.
The move is in a bid to end travellers abusing refunds, which estimates costs around £40 million each year according to industry analysts.
Passengers abuse refunds by claiming on tickets that have been used but not scanned or endorsed, where a customer falsely states that they did not travel.
Advertisement
New refund rules coming for UK train tickets in weeks
From April 1, the tickets no longer eligible for refunds after 11.59pm the day before travel are:
Anytime
Off-Peak
Day Travelcards
Most Ranger and Rover tickets
Advance tickets and Season Tickets are not affected by the change.
Rail bosses have also said that refunds will still be available for disrupted or cancelled services and, in certain circumstances, such as medical emergencies.
They also said that many passengers will not be affected by the changes as most only seek refunds before travel or due to “genuine disruption”.
Rail tickets that are purchased on or before March 31 will be refundable under the terms of the current rules.
These allow ticket holders to get refunds of up to 28 days after the day of travel, if the ticket has not been used.
Advertisement
How to claim a refund or compensation on train tickets
As explained on the National Rail website, you may be entitled to a full refund or compensation if your train journey is delayed or cancelled.
Refunds can be issued if you do not use your ticket due to delays or cancellations.
This can be done through the train company you purchased with, or, if you purchased from self-service vending machines at a station, this should provide information on how to refund a ticket.
Compensation may be requested if you are travelling and arrive late due to a cancelled or delayed train service.
Advertisement
Recommended reading:
National Rail states that compensation may depend on:
Which train company you travelled with
The type of ticket you have
The length of the delay in arriving at your destination
Compensation claims can be made online or by post using a form that you can download from a train company website or get from a staffed station.
What do you think about the new refund rules? Let us know in the comments.
Humberside Police has issued a photograph of Adrian Lee, 37, who officers want to speak to in connection with the incident in Bridlington.
The force said it follows an “altercation” between two men know knew each other in Rectory Walk at around 10.50pm on Sunday (March 1).
“It is reported an altercation occurred between two men known to each other before the victim reported that he was targeted with what he believed to be a crossbow. Thankfully, the victim did not sustain any injuries as a result,” a police spokesperson said.
Advertisement
Officers are now trying to trace the whereabouts of Mr Lee, from Bridlington, urging anyone who knows where he is to contact Humberside Police on 101 quoting reference 2628438.
Information can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The all-new Arcane utilises all of Salomon’s safety know-how into a top-spec head protector. It includes the brand’s EPS4D; an expanded polystyrene inner shape in pillars, which can independently absorb vertical and angled impacts. This is combined with EPP (expanded polypropylene), which can absorb multiple impacts. It also has integrated Mips.
The outer combines a tough ABS hardshell upper with lighter weight in-mould construction around the sides. It has a top-mounted vent adjuster, a magnetic chinstrap buckle and a BOA dial to cinch in the fit, with vertical adjustment. The brand integrates Polartec Power Dry into the comfort liner to enhance wicking and moisture management.
The Arcane has a bold aesthetic, which looks superb, and Saloman makes it in a broad range of colours. The shell is shaped with a step and bumpers around the sides and rear, which help secure the goggle strap in place. It also has an elasticated goggle strap retainer at the rear.
Advertisement
The Arcane is great for many reasons, but, as it should always be, fit was our main focus. This is a fabulously comfortable helmet in use. Yes, there are slimmer products out there, but the fact that the Arcane exceeds the safety tests for skiing is reassuring.
The 3D-shaped, removable earpads do not squash your ears, meaning this is a great product for day-long use, that won’t leave you feeling like a crushed grape. The abundant venting and BOA fit adjustment are the cherries on top of this sweet treat.
She added: “With no real sign of delivery of those promises on reducing excessive teacher workload by recruiting 3,500 additional teachers while tackling teacher unemployment and zero-hours contracts, and reducing teachers’ maximum class contact time to 21 hours per week, teachers’ patience is clearly now at an end.”
Zakariya Waqar-Uddin, who was known as Dr Zak, went missing from his home in Lancashire and was found at the foot of Huntcliff in Saltburn nine days later on May 21. He was just 44.
Dr Zakariya had previously written a weekly health column in The Press, and tributes poured in following his death.
The inquest heard he had travelled to Teesside, where he had a flat up for sale.
Advertisement
His family reported him missing when they did not hear from him, and coastguard teams discovered his body on May 21.
An inquest at Teesside Coroners’ Court heard how Dr Zakariya died from multiple injuries due to a fall from a height.
Recommended reads:
His mother Patricia Waqar-Uddin described her son as “charming, helpful, and very compassionate to all who he met”.
He had “no airs and graces” despite his successful career and was the “best son any parents could ever hope for in life”, she said.
Advertisement
The inquest on Tuesday (March 3) heard how he had previously suffered from stress following the breakdown of his marriage and the dissolution of his GP partnership.
However, there was no mention of any mental health concerns when he spoke with a dermatologist two months before his death.
After he was reported missing, a search was launched across Teesside after his dark purple VW Touran was found.
Dr Zak was identified through his dental records and there were no significant toxicology findings, a report confirmed.
Advertisement
Dr Zak’s former partner Laura Jane Dunning, whom he married in October 2016 and shared a daughter, Jasmine, told the inquest: “I am distraught and I am very sad that Jasmine has lost her father. She will continue to be loved and cherished and I know she will make him extremely proud.
“I hope Zak found his peace and I thank him for the many happy times we had together.”
During the inquest, Coroner Bailey had to consider whether Dr Zak had intended to take his own life, but this was ruled out.
Ms Waqar-Uddin said her son had not been agitated when he left his home and she did not believe he intended to take his own life.
Advertisement
She said there was no communication about intent left at his home and that he was also applying for jobs: “He had too many plans for the future.”
Coroner Bailey recorded a narrative conclusion, saying : “Dr Zak was found dead at the bottom of Huntcliff in Saltburn on May 21. It is not known how or when he exited the top of Huntcliff.”
In a statement, Ms Waqar-Uddin said Dr Zak treated his patients with the “same care and respect he gave to his family”.
She said: “He often spoke of the joy and satisfaction being a GP brought to him.
Advertisement
“To us he was the best son any parents could ever hope for in life and we will miss him deeply for the rest of our lives.
“He was grateful to his youngest brother Yusuf for the love and support he extended to him.
“He cared and loved his daughter Jasmine but missed her greatly.”
When life is difficult, Samaritans are available – day or night, 365 days a year.
Advertisement
You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
The Lawn Club, in Manchester’s Spinningfields, has launched the 50 per cent off offer for anyone named Hannah for pre-booked tables of four or more.
The promotion comes after the venue reviewed three years of booking data and discovered that Hannah is the most common name among those reserving tables for its popular bottomless brunch.
Sam Cooney, general manager at The Lawn Club, said: “We always knew there were a lot of Hannahs booking bottomless brunch with us, but seeing it confirmed made us laugh.
Advertisement
“It felt only right to give something back to all the Hannah’s we’re served over the years.
“Our brunch is all about getting friends together, great food, flowing drinks and a bit of dancing on the benches, so we’re excited to welcome even more Hannahs through the doors this March.”
The offer is valid from March 4 to March 31 for pre-booked tables of at least four people and can be redeemed by showing valid photo ID.
The Lawn Club’s bottomless brunch includes two courses, 90 minutes of free-flowing drinks, an optional cocktail upgrade, live DJs and lively bench-dancing.
Advertisement
The top 10 names for bottomless brunch bookings at The Lawn Club are Hannah, Emma, Charlotte, Chloe, Lucy, Emily, Sarah, Laura, Katie and Rebecca.
Swedish brand Fjällräven has leapt headlong into skiing for this season, and the Bergtagen base layer long sleeve top and long john bottom are a great complement to its equally impressive ski mid layers and outerwear. It’s all initials here, with LS denoting long sleeve, LJ meaning long johns, and M standing for male, though they make W versions too.
These pure merino base layers have a clean design without the clutter of flaps and loops. Merino, as you may have gathered, is a bit of a wonder material, when it comes to next-to-skin fabric. It helps regulate the clothing’s internal climate, including moisture and heat management. Thanks to how it deals with bacteria, it doesn’t hold onto nasty odours, either.
The waist band looks fairly basic on the pant, but it is incredibly comfortable and doesn’t leave you feeling squeezed in the middle. The pant also has a relaxed fit, adding to the comfort, although we wish they offered this in a 3/4 length model. The 190g fabric is lighter than most others we tested, but the 100 per cent merino construction delivers good warmth. The top has a comparably relaxed cut and, like the pant, feels fantastically soft when you’re wearing it, with an excellent drape.
Advertisement
One surprising aspect is how slippery the surface of this kit is. This, along with the moderate stretch and forgiving fit, means I never felt any restriction at all in my movements, even with more than one layer over these, as they slid inside the other garments beautifully.
North Yorkshire Council’s plan to permanently prohibit the overnight parking of motor caravans in Sandsend and North Bay in Scarborough has divided councillors and members of the public alike.
An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) was introduced to restrict overnight parking at Sandsend, Royal Albert Drive, and Cayton Bay after NYC said the number of motorhomes had reached an “unacceptable level”.
However, the council’s consultation on the future of the ban has met with an “overwhelming” number of objections.
Advertisement
Cllr Roberta Swiers, who represents Cayton, said the trial had “obviously not been a success” and recounted how signs notifying motorhome users of the ban were ripped down.
“The signs that were put up were ripped down within hours and thrown over the cliff,” she told a meeting of the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee on March 2.
“So think of the cost of those alone, to be put up and cemented in, only for the same thing to happen before the cement dried, with the signs thrown down the cliffs again. It’s actually vandalism.”
Richard Marr, area highways manager for North Yorkshire Council, confirmed that “the plan to carry out the [parking] experiment down Cayton Bay failed due to repeated vandalism and difficulties with getting the signing put up for a period long enough to carry out the experiment”.
Advertisement
NYC will only be able to use data gathered from Sandsend and North Bay when it makes a decision on the future of the ban next month.
At the area committee meeting, coastal councillors debated the effectiveness of the scheme, with some stating it had been a success while others said it had displaced the issue of parking to residential streets, resulting in thousands more complaints.
Cllr Swiers suggested that “the only result that we can get, certainly in this area and perhaps in other areas, is to use these Park and Rides, make it official, and direct motorhome users to them.”
“If you’re going to pay a small amount, surely that would be better as you would know your motorhome will be safe to a much greater degree than leaving it on a cliffside.”
Advertisement
She added: “We have to do something because I’m in for a right summer again. I was actually looking forward to a quiet year last year and that didn’t happen.
“It was worse because people who were on the Cleveland Way walking path were getting verbally abused by the people in the caravans and the motorhomes.”
Advertisement
Mr Marr, highways manager, noted: “There are plans to examine how we identify impacted locations, and rather than a piecemeal approach that pushes parking to the next street, we are considering a wider view to how we deal with motorhomes across the county”.
“We need to consider this with the council’s tourism department, because there’s quite a strong demand from the motorhome caravan fraternity and there are many benefits as well”.
Advertisement
Councillors echoed that they did not want Scarborough to have a reputation of being “anti-motorhome because they bring money and investment and we do need to ask, where will they go”.
Amorim was understood to have governed his players at Old Trafford with strict rules. The 41-year-old even banned food from the dressing room after emphasising the need to improve fitness standards.
United’s new man in charge is believed to have dismantled that policy by turning the club’s changing room into a more communal space where players can freely express themselves. The faith he has shown in his squad is paying off, with United now well-placed in the race for Champions League spots.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Carrick also served as caretaker manager between November and December 2021, following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure. Fernandes discussed how the ex-England star has built on his first spell in charge, suggesting the players now feel they’re being treated like adults, in contrast to Amorim’s micromanagement of their daily routines.
Advertisement
“This is football, football changes from one game to the other,” Fernandes told TNT Sports following United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in February.
“I think Michael [Carrick] came in with the right ideas of giving the players the responsibility, but also some freedom to take the responsibility on the pitch during the decisions that are needed.
“He’s very good with words and I think he still remembers when I told him last time he was our manager, for our last game, and I was sure Michael could be a great manager and now he is showing it.”
Advertisement
Amorim endured a rotten 14-month spell at United, winning only 24 of his 63 games in charge across all competitions. He also lost the Europa League final to Spurs last season.
The former Sporting CP manager’s average of 1.23 points per game is the worst of any United manager since the Premier League began. Under Carrick, the transformation has been clear, with Fernandes excelling.
Amorim also reportedly sent players home straight after fixtures, usually without any imparting words. This was done to let emotions dissipate before making knee-jerk decisions, instead relaying his thoughts to players the following day.
Advertisement
Carrick has reportedly introduced a new philosophy whereby players must not leave the dressing room until they feel they have been spoken to and heard.
United’s Portuguese captain believes Carrick’s experience of playing for the club, between 2006 and 2018, has helped him understand what it takes to line up for one of the biggest teams on the planet.
“We hope we can help him even more so everyone can see, not just us as the players, that we are good players and that is why we are at Manchester United, but also the staff is very good,” Fernandes added.
Advertisement
“This is a massive club and everyone knows the expectations around it. I don’t think that changes but of course Michael has won everything here and he knows what it means to these fans and for the club to win. So much is needed to win in this football club and I think that is something special for this team.”
Things are really heating up (Picture: Getty/Metro)
Venus (the planet of love and relationships) moves into the thrusting, dynamic and passionate sign of Aries from March 6 to the 30.
Expect three weeks of full-on flirtation, sizzling sexual chemistry, direct and forthright declarations of passion, and serious attraction vibes.
You won’t be left wondering who is into you, it will be right there in front of you. Of course, this might be someone you’re really not expecting — and it might shake everything up in your love life realm.
Attraction is an irresistible force… not much can get in its way. Let’s use the tarot cards to give you a clue about what (or who) might be coming along to rock your world during this transit.
Advertisement
Looking for deeper insight about your love life? My wonderful new Zodiac Love Match oracle deck has a unique colour-coded system to help you create insightful, full love readings whatever your situation.
Or, come join my magical, mystical tarot club, free for a whole month when you sign up using this link.
Aries
March 21 to April 20
Look out for a dreamy Water sign (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Aries for this week: Ace of Cups
Meaning: Venus moving into your own sign is a powerful love injection to your relationship realm. The Ace of Cups reveals you are going to meet someone new (possibly a Water sign — Pisces, Cancer or Scorpio) and feel an immediate attraction.
Advertisement
This could be ‘the one’, so if you’re free to pursue it then do so full force. If you’re not, then maybe this is true friendship or just of those bittersweet ‘could have been’ moments. Fertility is also a factor of this card so if that’s on your agenda, now is a good time! If it’s not, be extra careful!
Tarot card for Taurus for this week: Eight of Wands
Meaning: You are ruled over by Venus so your love life always gets a nice kickback when the planet moves signs. And boy will this one work hard for you! Aries energy is direct, passionate and lustful, and the Eight of Wands is a massive communication card, so expect to hear just how many folk are attracted to you, and how intensely they feel. You might even find yourself being fought over, or part of a love triangle.
Advertisement
You will be flirting and getting lovely compliments all month long and it will really boost your confidence, which in turn attracts even more attention. Revel in this, enjoy it. If you’re single, I don’t think you will be by the time Venus moves on again!
The green-eyed monster is rearing its head (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Gemini for this week: Seven of Swords
Meaning: Jealousy is a strange creature, lurking and slinking and then rearing its ugly head from the shadows in passive aggressive ways. Be on the look out for it this Venus in Aries, Gemini, both from those around you and maybe even within your own self.
Advertisement
Don’t let any temptations, unrequited attractions or unfair behaviours permeate your upbeat vibe and mood. Don’t wander down eerie pathways with folk you don’t trust. Stick to the straight and narrow. It feels like people are jealous of your powers of attraction. Let them be. It’s actually a compliment.
The World is your oyster (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Cancer for this week: The World
Meaning: This is going to be a powerful transit for you, Cancer, so tune in. Venus in Aries stirs up The World for you, so a chapter is closing, a goal has been reached, a lesson learned, a new dynamic activated that will lead to relationship changes.
Advertisement
Might be a new suitor, possibly a Capricorn, maybe linked to overseas. Might be a trip that you book that is going to be the gateway to a new era in your love life. Might be the end of a phase of stagnation or challenge that leads you, with new lessons and habits on board, to smooth seas and plain sailing. Expect a transition, closure of something and the beginning of something else (better).
Good luck being coy about this (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Leo for this week: Nine of Swords
Meaning: Venus in Aries is super direct, forthright, honest and transparent. You will be wearing your heart on your sleeve, even if you try to be subtle, and it might make you feel a little bit vulnerable somehow, like your inner worries or self-limiting beliefs are on show. Talk about your fears in relationships. Get them out on the table with someone you trust and process them. Find root causes and evidence, or even debunk them!
Advertisement
We all carry baggage and the Nine of Swords wants you to use the honest energy of this transit to put yours down, filter through it, and lighten the mental or soul load you’re carrying. Move ahead lighter, brighter and with your confidence restored.
Could someone be about to pop the question? (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Virgo for this week: The Hierophant
Meaning: You know, this card can suggest engagement, marriage, very deep commitment in love readings, so someone may be getting down on one knee this Venus in Aries season! But something steadfast, lasting, and true is brewing in your love life, whatever situation you’re in.
Advertisement
Question how much you want what you’ve got because it can be yours forever if it’s what you truly want. If you’re single, this card can indicate clever, respected Taureans, a person of status who is admired by all. You will feel safe, protected, and reassured in their presence and this is like catnip to you! All in all, a very happy love life phase awaits you.
The Universe is trying to tell you something (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Libra for this week: Three of Wands
Meaning: Luck is going to play a massive factor in the success of your love life this Venus (your ruling planet) in Aries (your sister sign). The cosmic stars are aligning just for you! So, make a wish and then pay attention to the signs, omens and unseen forces swirling around you. Coincidences, chance encounters, de ja vu moments and lucid dreams will all feature to help bring you towards your wish.
Advertisement
If you’re single, look out for Fire signs (Leo, Aries, Sagittarius) and maybe something linked to luck or fortune being a part of your first meeting. Cupid has plans for you and is pulling strings — please notice his good work!
Your vision is laser-focused (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Scorpio for this week: King of Wands
Meaning: Aries is a very ambitious star sign (ruled by Mars, as your sign once was, before Pluto was discovered). So, you’re feeling bold and purposeful about your love life, you know what — or who — you want and you’re going to make that happen. No games or dilly dallying, you’re saying it straight and you’re asking the questions you want answered.
Advertisement
Your purposefulness is attractive, charismatic, and you will get the results you hope for, so be confident. Look out for Fire signs (Leo, Aries or Sagittarius) who match your direct, passionate energy because you could be forging a ‘power couple’ dynamic with the right person.
Stability is just on the horizon (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Sagittarius for this week: Temperance
Meaning: Temperance is your sign’s card in the tarot arcana so this is a strong Venus in Aries transit for speaking up, saying how it is, asking for what you want to happen, and getting it! Be honest. Be upfront.
Advertisement
Things might’ve felt uncertain or up in the air in your closest relationship recently, or if you’re single then maybe you’ve felt unsettled and like you’re seeking an anchor or steadying presence in your life. Grounding and stability await you, with the right person. You can make a home in the right relationship, feeling secure but not trapped (a key balance for your freedom-loving sign). Look out for fellow Sagittarians too — the attraction will feel powerful.
Tarot card for Capricorn for this week: Three of Swords
Meaning: Venus in Aries is going to be revealing, enlightening and healing for you, Capricorn. If you’re nursing a broken heart, then expect to feel really different — and better — over the coming three weeks, like you’re surgically removing the painful and tender parts. If you’re doing good, don’t worry, this Three of Swords is likely to relate to an old wound, maybe a betrayal that has always say heavily with you.
Advertisement
Something will shift, be revealed, or get said, that will cast new light on things, and possibly vindicate or relieve you of the weight you’ve carried here. Maybe you drop an outdated self-limiting belief about yourself in relationships. An echo will emerge, remind you, and make it all better somehow. Healing is your theme.
Your love life is on the move in more ways than one (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Aquarius for this week: The Chariot
Meaning: Venus in Aries is direct and dynamic, just like the forceful, purposeful Chariot. Journeys, trips, holidays and location expansions or moves are also well starred with this card so maybe you fall (deeper) in love on the move this March. A Cancerian lover could also be on the cards, possibly someone you meet on a journey, so keep your eyes peeled on the daily commute or routine!
Advertisement
Things are happening, stuff is moving forward, and energy is swirling around your love life, in a good way. You know what you want and you’re ready to invest and commit to bring that to your realm. No more doubts, second-guessing, or games.
Death is the tarot’s card of transformation (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Pisces for this week: Death
Meaning: Venus in Aries is going to reveal the fault lines, the fading or false energies around you, and the connections you need to sever ties from once and for all. Goodbye any and all lingering exes, situationships, unrequited dalliances, and hello to new, powerful, loving, strong energy and attractions.
Advertisement
A Scorpio might enter your life and send your mind and heart spinning, but either way a new attraction will certainly emerge — maybe even with the one you’re with (if you’re happily attached) that heralds a new era. It feels like everything has changed, for the better, and it truly will this Venus in Aries season. Get ready for transformation.
Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
