Money

Four reasons why your PIP payments could be STOPPED – and checks to make to avoid losing cash

Published

3 hours ago

October 10, 2024

Four reasons why your PIP payments could be STOPPED – and checks to make to avoid losing cash

MILLIONS suffering from long-term health conditions or disabilities get extra help through Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The payments can be worth as much as £108.55 a week, so if you don’t claim it already, it could be a good idea to check if you’re eligible.

People with long-term health conditions can get help through PIPCredit: Alamy

PIP is available to those aged 16 or over but have not yet reached the state pension age.

Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around – or both- for three months.

You should also expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).

But even if you’ve got an active claim for PIP, there are some scenarios where they can be stopped.

Tom Farquhar, benefits information specialist at disability charity Scope, has shed light on four of them.

He said last year: “When it comes to your PIP there are certain changes that you might need to report to stop your benefit being cut off by the DWP.

“There are risks associated with not reporting a change in your situation, including overpayment or even prosecution.

“That’s why it’s important to report the following changes to DWP as soon as possible.”

Going into hospital

If you have to go into hospital for more than 28 days, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will pause your PIP.

However, if you are under 18 or paying for a private hospital stay, payments won’t be stopped.

Ireland AM host Tommy Bowe slams government for ‘breaking own rules’

It’s worth noting if you leave the hospital before the 28 days is up, you can still have payments stopped if you go back.

Tom said: “If you go back to hospital within 28 days of leaving, it will count as the same stay and add up.”

As an example, someone might go to hospital for 20 days and then go home.

After 10 days at home, they might go back into hospital.

The DWP would stop paying this person PIP if they were in hospital for more than eight days.

The same 28-day rule applies if you go into a care home.

Again, if you are paying for the care home privately this rule won’t affect you.

Going to prison

The DWP will stop PIP payments if you are in prison or held in custody for 28 days or longer.

Once you are no longer in prison or custody it is your responsibility to contact the DWP and tell them you are out.

Tom said: “Once you are no longer in prison or custody you’ll need to contact the them and they’ll start payments up again.”

You go abroad

If you leave England, Scotland or Wales, for more than 13 weeks the DWP will stop any PIP payments.

If you leave these same countries because you need medical treatment, you have longer until you stop receiving payments.

Tom said: “If you leave Great Britain for longer than 13 weeks, or 26 weeks if you go for medical treatment, the DWP will stop your PIP payment.”

Your personal circumstances change

If your personal details change, such as name or address, or your doctor changes you could see PIP payments stop.

So you should tell the DWP as soon as possible about any changes to avoid this.

Any changes to your personal circumstances might impact what elements of PIP you can receive too.

Tom said: “It’s important to report these changes so that you can get the correct amount of PIP for your needs, and to avoid being cut off or prosecution for not relaying updates.”

You can update the DWP on any change in circumstances via their enquiry line – 0800 121 4433.

If your PIP payments have stopped and you don’t know why, you can call Scope for help on 0808 800 3333.

The helpline is open seven days a week, Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm, and 10am to 6pm at the weekends.

Alternatively, you can email helpline@scope.org.uk.

What is PIP?

PIP is a benefit given to people suffering from a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.

This condition might make it hard for you to carry out certain everyday tasks or get around.

You can get the benefit even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.

There are two parts to PIP – the daily living part and the mobility part.

You might be entitled to the daily living part of PIP if you need help with:

Eating, drinking or preparing food
Washing, bathing and using the toilet
Dressing and undressing
Reading and communicating
Managing your medicines or treatments
Making decisions about money
Socialising and being around other people

You might be entitled to the mobility part if you need help with:

Working out a route and following it
Physically moving around
Leaving your home

PIP is made up of two parts and whether you get one or both of these depends on how severely your condition affects you.

How much you get also depends on how your condition affects you.

You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around. The weekly rate for this is either £26.90 or £71.

While on the daily living part of PIP, the weekly rate is either £68.10 or £101.75 – and you could get both elements, so up to £172.75 in total.

You’ll be assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you’re getting the right support.

Who is eligible?

PIP is available to people aged 16 or over but not yet at the state pension age.

You must have lived in England or Wales for at least two of the last three years, and be in one of these countries when you apply.

The process is different in Northern Ireland, and there are additional rules if you live abroad or if you’re not a British citizen.

In Scotland, you will need to apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead.

Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than six months to live).

You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment.

If you receive constant attendance allowance you will receive less of the daily living part of PIP.

If you get war pensioners‘ mobility supplement you will not get the mobility part of PIP.

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Money

I tested supermarkets own-brand Digestives – winner was more than £1 cheaper than McVitie’s & I couldn’t tell difference

Published

12 mins ago

October 10, 2024

NewsAdmin

IF you feel like you are getting a crumby deal on big-name biscuits, you’d be right.

A packet of McVitie’s Digestives has shrunk by as much as 28 per cent since 2014, despite prices rising by 129 per cent over the past decade.

Laura Stott tested supermarkets own-brand Digestives against McVitie’sCredit: Damien McFadden

So could the supermarket versions offer better value?

It’s crunch time as Laura Stott tries the own-brand digestives.

Aldi Belmont Digestives – 29 biscuits, 400g, 57p

Aldi's digestives are a great dupe and over a pound cheaper than McVitie's — Aldi’s digestives are a great dupe and over a pound cheaper than McVitie’sCredit: Damien McFadden

IN true Aldi dupe style, the packet looks very like the McVitie’s one, which costs over a quid more.

But put these in a biscuit tin and it’s doubtful anyone will notice the difference.

And you get the most biccies per packet too.

Rating: 5/5

Tesco Digestives – 28 biscuits, 400g, 70p

Tesco's version will fall apart before you can dunk them in your cuppa — Tesco’s version will fall apart before you can dunk them in your cuppaCredit: Damien McFadden

THESE looked the part, but tasted disappointing and the texture is too dry.

The packet claims the biccies are crumbly and crunchy.

Instead they tasted dusty, with a few falling apart before I had a chance to dunk them in my cuppa.

Rating: 1/5

M&S Digestives – 25 biscuits, 400g, 80p

The M&S version are still good value compared with McVitie’sCredit: Damien McFadden

WHILE pricier than other super- market versions, these deluxe digestives from M&S are still good value compared with McVitie’s.

Sweeter than some on test but in a rich, mellow and smooth way.

Extremely tasty.

Rating: 4/5

Lidl Tower Gate Digestives – 26 biscuits, 400g, 57p

Lidl's version is cheap without compromising on flavour — Lidl’s version is cheap without compromising on flavourCredit: Damien McFadden

A GREAT value option from Lidl without compromising on flavour – they taste rich and sweet.

They also held up well during a cup-dunk.

But a shame there were fewer in the pack than many other own-brand offerings.

Rating: 4/5

Sainsbury’s Digestives – 28 biscuits, 400g, 70p

Sainsbury's version had a milky and nice malty aftertaste — Sainsbury’s version had a milky and nice malty aftertasteCredit: Damien McFadden

WITH a darker colour, these had a more wholesome flavour and were thick, offering a good crunch.

The biccies also had a milky and nice malty aftertaste and paired well with a cuppa.

A quality product at a great price.

Rating: 3/5

Asda Digestives – 27 biscuits, 400g, 70p

Asda's offering tastes great and they smell good too — Asda’s offering tastes great and they smell good tooCredit: Damien McFadden

A GREAT-value offering with plenty to go round.

Sweeter than others on test, with an orangey hue and not very chunky, but the taste still hit the spot.

These also had a lovely aroma too, which made it hard to stop at just one.

Rating: 3/5

Morrisons Digestives – 27 biscuits, 400g, 70p

Morrison's digestives are thicker than some of the others, adding a pleasant texture — Morrison’s digestives are thicker than some of the others, adding a pleasant textureCredit: Damien McFadden

A GOOD ratio of crumble to crunch that stood up well in the cuppa dunk.

The flavour was pleasant too – not overtly sweet and with plenty in the packet.

These were thicker than some of the others, adding a pleasant texture.

Rating: 3/5

McVitie’s Digestives – 24 biscuits, 360g, £1.80, Tesco

McVitie's digestives cost over £2 and have less biscuits in the packet — McVitie’s digestives cost over £2 and have less biscuits in the packetCredit: Damien McFadden

AT well over a £1 more per packet than most supermarket versions, there are also fewer biccies, with only 24 inside.

They are enjoyable – but paying nearly two quid for them left a rather bad taste.

Rating: 2/5

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Money

‘Keep an eye out’ warns shopper after bagging garden chair scanning for £22 instead of £215

Published

33 mins ago

October 10, 2024

NewsAdmin

'Keep an eye out' warns shopper after bagging garden chair scanning for £22 instead of £215

A SHOPPER has warned people to “keep an eye out” after they bagged a garden chair that was reduced by 90%.

Lucky saver Christina shared her bargain in a post on Facebook after finally receiving delivery of the rocking seat.

Christina shared the deal in a post on FacebookCredit: Facebook

The chair had been reduced from £214.99 to just £21.99Credit: Facebook

The Maya Mango Rocking Chair she purchased had been reduced by a whopping 90%.

Instead of its regular retailing price of £214.99, Christina managed to nab it for just £21.99.

It had been listed on retail site Studio, which is owned by the Frasers Group alongside Sports Direct and House of Fraser.

Christina’s post on Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK read: “Studio bargain.

Wealthy millennials, Gen Z are redefining philanthropy

Published

54 mins ago

October 10, 2024

NewsAdmin

Wealthy millennials, Gen Z are redefining philanthropy

Solstock | E+ | Getty Images

A version of this article first appeared in CNBC’s Inside Wealth newsletter with Robert Frank, a weekly guide to the high-net-worth investor and consumer. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox.

Wealthy millennials and Gen Zers are redefining the world of charitable giving, seeing themselves more as activists than donors, according to a new study.

Wealthy donors under the age of 43 are more likely to volunteer, fundraise and act as mentors for charitable causes rather than just give money, according to a new survey from Bank of America Private Bank. The survey of more than 1,000 respondents with more than $3 million in investible assets also found that young philanthropists want more public attention for their giving compared to Gen Xers and baby boomers.

The shift in the way the next generations give, as well as the causes they favor, is likely to remake the charitable landscape. Rather than simply writing checks to causes they care about, the next generation of givers wants to be deeply involved in trying to fix the biggest social and environmental problems.

“They view themselves as holistic social change agents,” said Dianne Chipps Bailey, managing director and national philanthropic strategy executive for philanthropic solutions at Bank of America Private Bank. “I think they have a better sense of agency in this world. They’re really looking to move their capital in a much more comprehensive robust way to achieve their social impact goals.”

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Both younger and older multi-millionaires are highly charitable. According to the study, 91% of the respondents had given to charity in the past year. More than two-thirds of both older and younger respondents said they are motivated by “making a lasting impact.”

Yet their reasons for giving and their methods vary widely by age. Donors under the age of 43 are slightly more likely to volunteer and are twice as likely to help raise charitable donations from friends or peers rather than just giving directly. They’re more than four times as likely to act as mentors. And they’re more interested in serving on nonprofit boards rather than limiting their contributions to capital.

Older donors give from of a sense of responsibility. Those over the age of 44 were more than twice as likely to give due to “obligation” than younger donors. Those under 43 were more likely to cite self-education and the influence of their social circle as drivers of their philanthropy.

Some of the differences between generations may be rooted in life cycles and wealth. The younger wealthy are still building their fortunes and inheriting their wealth, so they’re more likely to give their time and help fundraise. Still, Bailey said the focus on peer networks and activism will likely endure even as they get older and wealthier.

“You can think of philanthropy as the five T’s – time, talent, treasure, testimony and ties,” she said. “The older generation is focused on the treasure (giving funds). The younger generations are leaning into the other four.”

The young wealthy also support different causes. They’re twice as likely to support efforts related to homelessness, social justice, climate change and the advancement of women and girls. Philanthropists over 44 were far more likely to support religious organizations, the arts and military charities.

“When you think about what [the younger generation] has been through in recent years, 2020, where they saw it all exposed, they’re leaning into the response,” Bailey said. “And it’s sustained. So many people move their giving with the headlines, but they’ve really dug in deeply. It’s not a moment but a movement.”

The implications of the generational shift in giving will be profound for wealth advisors and nonprofits, advisors say. Since many younger donors inherited their wealth, they’re far more likely to use giving vehicles created by their family. They were more than four times more likely to use charitable trusts, family foundations and donor advised funds.

Bailey said the next generation wants to talk about philanthropy as part of an initial discussion with a wealth advisor — even before talking about their investment plan.

“They have a hunger to know more, to learn more about philanthropy,” Bailey said. “They’ve already got these complex [giving] vehicles at the ready, so the education piece is critical both for nonprofits and for the advisors.”

With charity increasingly dominated by wealthy donors, and with the next generations expected to inherited over $80 trillion in the coming decades, courting the young rich will be critical.

“You need their perspective and you’re going to need their money,” Bailey said.

Advisors to the young rich also need to be generous with their praise. Younger donors are more than three times more likely to gauge the success of their philanthropic efforts by public recognition, according to the survey. Nearly half say they are likely to associate their names with their philanthropic efforts, while more than two-thirds of older donors give anonymously.

“Praise them, celebrate them, give them visibility,” she said.

Just don’t call them “philanthropists.” A report from Foundation Source found that 80% of young donors want to be seen as “givers,” while 63% also like the terms “advocate” or “changemaker.” Only 27% accepted the label of “philanthropist.”

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Money

The Sun launches interactive tool to check benefits – see if you get winter fuel payments or pension credit this winter

Published

1 hour ago

October 10, 2024

NewsAdmin

The Sun launches interactive tool to check benefits - see if you get winter fuel payments or pension credit this winter

TODAY, The Sun launches a free tool to help you check whether you will get the Winter Fuel Payment this year.

The free benefits checker is in partnership with poverty charity Turn2Us. It quickly tells you if you’re missing out on any cash.
If you are unable to access the internet you could ask a friend or relative to help you do the check.

We were flooded with calls and emails earlier this week, with many readers asking whether they were entitled to pension credit or other benefits.

In her July statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that this winter only households in England and Wales that receive Pension Credit or certain means tested benefits will be entitled to the Winter Fuel payment.

Previously it was available to everyone aged over 66.

New government figures estimate that 770,000 pensioners are at risk of missing out this winter.

The benefit, which is worth up to £300, unlocks a host of other awards including a free TV licence and cheaper water bills worth up to £3,900.

Michael Clarke, from Turn2us: “It’s crucial that people are supported by friends and family to check they are getting all the support available to them.

“In just 10 minutes, the Turn2us Benefits Calculator will tell people if they are eligible.”

You will need some personal information to hand about your current income, including state and private pensions, and any benefits you currently receive.

If you are eligible to apply for Pension Credit you can call the DWP helpline on: 0800 99 1234

When you claim you will need your national insurance number and details of any savings and investments, plus information on housing costs such as mortgage interest, service charges or ground rent.

You must lodge a claim by December 21 to get the Winter Fuel Payment this year.

FIX YOUR ENERGY BILLS?

If you’re not on a fixed tariff then it may be worth considering one. Many of the top fixed tariffs are now cheaper than the price cap and could save you money. You can compare tariffs using uSwitch.com or Moneysavingexpert.com.

WARM HOME DISCOUNT

The Warm Home Discount is £150 one-off payment towards electricity bills. You will usually get it automatically – but you need to apply if you’re on a low income in Scotland.
You should check with your energy supplier if you’re on a low income and think you are eligible.

HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND

You can apply to your local council for help if you’re on a low income. Search the name of your local council and ‘household support fund’ to find out details on how you can apply. Eligibility criteria and the amount you will get varies based on where you live – but some households have got up to £500.

ENERGY GRANTS

Many of the UK’s biggest energy suppliers have grants in place to help struggling customers. For example, British Gas offers grants of up to £2,000. .
Ask your supplier if there is anything they can offer
FREE INSULATION OR BOILERS

You may be able to get free or cheap insulation to help reduce your home’s energy bills. Check here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme

GET FREE DEBT HELP

THERE are several groups which can help you with your problem debts for free.

Citizens Advice – 0800 144 8848 (England) / 0800 702 2020 (Wales)
StepChange – 0800138 1111
National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
Debt Advice Foundation – 0800 043 4050

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Money

Martin Lewis issues warning to anyone aged under 22 – do you have £2,000 in a forgotten account?

Published

2 hours ago

October 10, 2024

NewsAdmin

Martin Lewis issues warning to anyone aged under 22 - do you have £2,000 in a forgotten account?

MARTIN Lewis has issued a warning to anyone under 22 who could have £2,000 sitting in a forgotten account.

Child Trust Funds are long-term, tax-free savings accounts which were set up for every child born between September 2002 and January 2 2011.

The Money Saving Expert said on X that those aged 22 and under could have the Child Trust Fund set up and access it for free.

But he also warned that some firms are attempting to charge individuals to “get your own money” – but Lewis says “don’t pay.”

The Government deposited £250 for every child during that time period, or £500 if they came from a low income family earning around £16,000 a year or below.

An extra £250 or £500, depending on their families’ economic status, was deposited when the child turned seven.

How to track down a Child Trust Fund

If you were born in the UK between 2002 and 2006 it is worth checking to see if you have cash in a Child Trust Fund.

Parents were either given a voucher to set one up or HMRC set one up on a child’s behalf.

There are a number of third party groups offering to search for Child Trust Funds but it worth noting that they will charge a fee so you might loose a chunk of your money.

The Government has a free tool you can use online to help track down your fund.

You can find this by searching for “find a Child Trust Fund” on GOV.UK.

LOST CASH

By Charlene Young, pensions and savings expert at AJ Bell

MANY parents and children aren’t aware they even have the account, or don’t know who the money is with or how to track it down.

More than a quarter of CTF accounts were set up by the government because parents failed to do so within the 12-month window.

This highlights why so many are unclaimed – as the parents either weren’t aware or won’t remember that an account was even set up for their child, let alone where the money is now.

Any child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 who hasn’t already got details of their account should track it down.

Once you’ve tracked down the money you can choose what to do with it. Your options are to transfer it to an adult ISA or withdraw the money. Until then your money will just sit in an account that no one else has access to, possibly paying very high charges.

Anything you transfer to an adult ISA at maturity will not count towards your annual ISA allowance, which is £20,000 for over 18s.

For many young people who have CTFs but are still under 18, it will make sense to transfer it to a Junior ISA, where the charges will likely be lower, and you’ll have a much bigger investment choice.

The money will still be locked up until you turn 18, but the tax-free benefits of ISA investing still apply. You can transfer the entire CTF into a Junior ISA and still add up to £9,000 to it in the same tax year.

You’ll need to have a few personal details to hand to do the search, including your date of birth and National Insurance (NI) number.

Your NI number remains the same for your entire life. It’s made up of two letters, six numbers and a final letter.

You can find this number on your payslips or by downloading the HMRC app, which can be downloaded on the Apple or Google Play Store.

When you’re done filling this out, HMRC will then send you a letter revealing what company has your Child Trust Fund.

What to do once you have claimed the money

Usually, people put the cash straight into a bank account, invest it, or transfer it into an ISA.

You can also ask your Child Trust Fund Provider to give you the money and get it cashed into your bank account.

This way you’ll need to share the bank account details you wish to transfer the cash into with HMRC.

But if you’d rather invest it, you can transfer it into an ISA.

The Sun recently broke down whether or not an ISA is right for you, which you can read here.

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CryptoCurrency

CPI data to drive 'favorable impact' on Bitcoin prices — 21Shares

Published

2 hours ago

October 10, 2024

NewsAdmin

CPI data to drive 'favorable impact' on Bitcoin prices — 21Shares

Consumer prices in the US rose by 2.4% in September, above market expectations but still in a negative trend compared to the past few years.

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Four reasons why your PIP payments could be STOPPED – and checks to make to avoid losing cash

Going into hospital

Going to prison

You go abroad

Your personal circumstances change

What is PIP?

Who is eligible?

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Money

I tested supermarkets own-brand Digestives – winner was more than £1 cheaper than McVitie’s & I couldn’t tell difference

Aldi Belmont Digestives – 29 biscuits, 400g, 57p

Tesco Digestives – 28 biscuits, 400g, 70p

M&S Digestives – 25 biscuits, 400g, 80p

Lidl Tower Gate Digestives – 26 biscuits, 400g, 57p

Sainsbury’s Digestives – 28 biscuits, 400g, 70p

Asda Digestives – 27 biscuits, 400g, 70p

Morrisons Digestives – 27 biscuits, 400g, 70p

McVitie’s Digestives – 24 biscuits, 360g, £1.80, Tesco

Money

‘Keep an eye out’ warns shopper after bagging garden chair scanning for £22 instead of £215

Read More on Deals and Sales

How to bag a bargain

Money

Wealthy millennials, Gen Z are redefining philanthropy

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Money

The Sun launches interactive tool to check benefits – see if you get winter fuel payments or pension credit this winter

FIX YOUR ENERGY BILLS?

WARM HOME DISCOUNT

HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND

ENERGY GRANTS

GET FREE DEBT HELP

Money

Martin Lewis issues warning to anyone aged under 22 – do you have £2,000 in a forgotten account?

read more on martin lewis

How to track down a Child Trust Fund

LOST CASH

What to do once you have claimed the money

CryptoCurrency

CPI data to drive 'favorable impact' on Bitcoin prices — 21Shares

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