THE Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the final date households should receive the £300 Winter Fuel Payment.

The Winter Fuel Payment was previously available to everyone aged 66 and above, the current State Pension age.

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But in July the Government announced the payment would become means-tested meaning only those on certain benefits are eligible.

This includes those on income support, tax credits and Universal Credit, but also Pension Credit.

From November, eligible households will receive automatic payments of up to £300.

Payments will then continue to be made throughout December.

Those who are eligible should have either received a letter, or should get one in the coming month, telling them how much they will be paid.

It will also explain which bank account the payment will be paid into – this is usually the same account as where Pension Credit or other benefits are usually paid.

The DWP has advised all those eligible for the cash to expect it to enter their bank accounts by January 29 at the latest.

If the payment does not come through, pensioners are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre online or by telephone.

When you contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre you will need to provide your name, address, date of birth and NI number.

Eligible pensioners should look out for a specific code to double check that the money has been sent.

For those in England and Wales, the payment will appear as the customer’s National Insurance (NI) number followed by “DWP WFP”.

Whereas those in Northern Ireland should look for their NI number followed by “DFC WFP”.

So, if you live in England and your NI number is QQ123456B the payment would show up as QQ123456B DWP WFP.

You should check for this code before consulting DWP.

If you don’t think your winter fuel payment has come through, check for this code in your bank statement before consulting the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

And if you haven’t yet checked whether you meet the new criteria for the payment, make sure you’re up to date and know how much you’re be expecting.

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

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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.

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.

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

• 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.

Pensioners who are worried about missing out on the payment this winter can seek support from a long list of schemes – which will also be detailed at the end of this article.

What is the winter fuel payment and who is eligible?

The winter fuel payment is issued to state pensioners on certain benefits to help cover the cost of hiked up energy bills over the colder months.

This is because households tend to use more energy for heating as temperatures drop.

The payment, which is made in November or December, is automatic meaning you don’t need to apply.

Those on Universal Credit with a joint claim where one member was over the state pension age previously had to apply to get the payment.

To automatically qualify this year, you need to be of state pension age and in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

You must have an active claim for these benefits during the “qualifying week” which is from September 16 to 22 this year.

You only need to apply this year if:

• you moved to an eligible country before January 1, 2021
• you were born before September 23, 1958
• you have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK – this can include having lived or worked in the UK and having family in the UK

Households can claim by phone from October 28 via the number 0800 731 0160.

They have until March 31, 2025 to do this.

Or to claim by post, you’ll need to fill in the winter fuel payment claim form and post it to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

This is available at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim.

More energy help for pensioners

In response to the government’s slash to the winter fuel payments, Octopus Energy has launched a scheme offering discretionary credit of between £50 and £200 to pensioners.

British Gas has also set aside over £140 million this winter for its Individual and Families Support Fund.

And Scottish Power‘s Hardship Fund has handed out more than £60 million to its struggling customers.

To find out what you can get, check the offers from your own supplier first by going to their website or asking someone on the phone.

Most schemes are exclusive to customers, but the British Gas Individual and Families fund is available to everyone if your own supplier can’t help.

Help can also be accessed from your local council via the Household Support Fund, which has renewed a fresh pot of £421 million finding for vulnerable households.

To find out if you are eligible, go to your council’s website and read over the conditions of the scheme.

If you’re just looking for simple ways to reduce your bill this winter, each of these supplier schemes, as well as the Household Support Fund also offer free electric blankets as part of their deal.

For example, Octopus have said they will distribute 20,000 electric blankets from Dreamland to its most vulnerable customers, keeping them warm for “as little as 3p an hour”.

The “heat yourself not your home” approach is trending fast, with retailers such as B&M introducing ranges of affordable self-heating appliances.

However, it is important to note that the elderly should not avoid turning the heating on if they are cold – for energy help contact your provider or local council, or read our article here.

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

Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable. With a bit of creativity, you can give thoughtful, personalised gifts without overspending. Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply looking to simplify your holiday shopping, these frugal Christmas gift ideas will help you show your loved ones you care—without breaking the bank. From DIY holiday gifts to affordable experience-based presents, this guide offers lots of thoughtful, affordable gift ideas that won’t leave you stressed about spending.

DIY Gifts: Personal and Inexpensive

DIY Christmas gifts are not only affordable but also meaningful. By creating something yourself, you’re showing thoughtfulness and effort without the expense of store-bought items. These gifts are perfect for those looking to give something more personal.

Examples:

Homemade Candles or Soaps: Customize scents and colours for a personal touch. These DIY holiday gifts on a budget are sure to be appreciated by the recipient.

Baked Goods: Bake a batch of Christmas cookies, fudge, or bread and package them beautifully in a reusable jar or festive wrapping.

Photo Album or Scrapbook: Compile memories with personalized captions for a sentimental gift that costs little but means a lot.

Knitted or Crocheted Items: If you’re crafty, a handmade scarf, hat, or blanket can be a warm and thoughtful present.

Upcycle and Repurpose Items

Look around your home for items you can repurpose or upcycle into unique gifts. This is not only environmentally friendly but also a cost-effective way to give thoughtful presents.

Examples:

Mason Jar/Preserving Jar Gifts: Fill a jar with homemade hot chocolate mix, bath salts, or a cookie baking kit. These homemade gift kits are easy to make and very affordable.

Customized Picture Frames: Repurpose an old frame and add a personal touch by painting or decorating it to fit the recipient’s style.

Gift Baskets from Home Items: Create a themed gift basket using items you already have. For example, a movie night basket could include popcorn, hot chocolate, Netflix, and cosy socks.

Experience-Based Gifts

Instead of giving physical items, offer experience gift ideas for Christmas that create lasting memories. These gifts can be very affordable and often have more impact than material items.

Examples:

Homemade Coupons: Create coupons offering services like babysitting, cooking a meal, or a movie night. You can design these for free online or make them by hand.

Local Events: Give tickets to a local theatre production, concert, or museum you can enjoy together.

Plan a Day Out: Gift an itinerary for a future day out, such as a hike, picnic, or visit a nearby park.

Subscriptions and Digital Gifts

Digital gift ideas are another great way to save money while giving something that the recipient will enjoy. Subscriptions can be particularly thoughtful gifts that continue to provide value throughout the year.

Examples:

Streaming Service Subscriptions: Gift a month or two of Netflix, Disney+, or Spotify.

E-book or Audiobook Subscriptions: Services like Kindle Unlimited or Audible are great for book lovers.

Online Courses: Offer a course on a subject your recipient is passionate about, such as cooking, photography, or personal development.

Gift Plants or Herbs

For the plant lover in your life, a small potted plant or herb garden kit can be a thoughtful and frugal gift. Many small houseplants, succulents, or herb seedlings are inexpensive and bring a relaxing vibe to any space.

Examples:

Succulents: These low-maintenance plants are perfect for busy people or new to gardening.

Herb Kits: You can find affordable herb-growing kits or assemble your own with small pots, soil, and seeds.

Homemade Mixes or Kits

Gift your favourite recipes by preparing the dry ingredients in a jar or kit form for the recipient to make at their convenience. These homemade gift kits are easy to assemble and cost-effective.

Examples:

Hot Chocolate Mix: Layer cocoa powder, sugar, and marshmallows in a jar for an easy, festive treat.

Soup or Cookie Mixes: Layer dry ingredients for soups, cookies, or brownies, and attach the recipe to the jar.

Craft Kits: Put together DIY craft kits with materials for projects like bracelet-making, painting, or journaling.

Related: How to Have a Debt-Free Christmas: Last-Minute Strategies to Manage Your Holiday Spending

The Verdict

Frugal gift-giving doesn’t mean sacrificing thoughtfulness. With some creativity and personalization, you can make Christmas special for your loved ones while sticking to your budget. Whether you opt for DIY holiday gifts, repurpose items you already have, or offer experience gifts rather than material items, there are plenty of ways to show you care without overspending.

By following these frugal gift ideas, you can have a more affordable and meaningful holiday season that won’t leave you in debt come January.

Remember when former Apple chief executive Steve Jobs stood up in 2007 and said, “We are going to launch three revolutionary products?”

To cheers from the audience, he revealed the first to be “a widescreen iPod with touch controls.” There were more gasps as he revealed the second as “a revolutionary mobile phone.” And when he announced the third as a “breakthrough internet communicator,” the people in the room almost lost it.

But when he unexpectedly said, “All three of these products are in the same device – the iPhone,” he brought the house down.

With successive generations of iPhones, it’s harder to care about the differences unless you are a true tech geek

Jobs’s speech is legendary, and the iPhone was genuine innovation which has shaped the smart-phone world we live in today. But have we seen something as genuinely innovative since then? The iPhone has evolved through 16 generations and, taking into account the various ‘S’ models over the years, there must be approaching 20 generations now.

I remember the iPhone 4, with its Retina display, was pretty epic. The Apple advertising said, “This changes everything. Again.” But with successive generations of iPhones, it’s harder to care about the differences unless you are a true tech geek. A slightly better camera, a beveled screen, a non-beveled screen, a notch.

Looking back at the history of protection products, I see a similar pattern. In 1996, Scottish Provident introduced the innovative ‘Menu of benefits’ product.

The concept of added-value services was initially met with scepticism, but these are essential complements to the insurance elements

Predating Apple by over a decade, it put three products into one and let advisers and their clients choose any combination to suit their needs. At the time, people used words like “revolutionary” and “innovative” as true descriptors, rather than cliched marketing buzzwords.

In the early 2000s, another company introduced what we now call added-value services to the protection market. The concept of added-value services was initially met with scepticism, but these benefits are essential complements to the insurance elements.

When will the next game-changer emerge in the smartphone and protection markets? Because it seems we are now locked into a cycle of gradual improvements rather than stand out differences.

Don’t get me wrong, we should welcome continuous improvements, especially anything that benefits the customer. But do gradual improvements change customer behaviour in the way we would like?

Are the improvements more motivated by keeping the provider towards the top of the rankings?

Consider the news reports that Vitality has improved its income protection offering. It says it will “…expand its range of deferral periods for a further 280 occupations” and will “…also be moving 349 manual roles and skilled trade occupations to an ‘own occupation’ definition of incapacity, replacing its ‘special definition’ that was previously used.”

These are good improvements but it feels to me like the Apple equivalent of adding more megapixels to the main camera, or giving a choice of wide-angle lens sizes.

Every year we see another round of additions and refinements to the list of critical illnesses. Better definitions and therefore improved cover. We can say the same about added-value benefits.

Again, these are all great but do any of these improvements make it easier to sell protection to people on the street? Or are the improvements more motivated by keeping the provider towards the top of the rankings on all the various comparison engines and product analysis tools?

Will cost of being a first mover in a low margin environment always stifle true innovation?

In my last article, I said: “We know GenZ use TikTok as a search engine. We know they have short attention spans. We know they don’t like complexity. We know they don’t like filling in forms.

“And yet we expect them to get excited by our extremely complicated, generic protection products that have 30 page application forms and that we don’t talk about on TikTok.”

Will our current cycle of product improvements ever start to appeal to new audiences unless we come up with something genuinely revolutionary? Or will cost of being a first mover in a low margin environment always stifle true innovation?

Will we ever see one of the chief executives of protection providers step, Steve Jobs like, onto a stage and make a presentation that’ll be quoted for years to come about a revolutionary protection product that will appeal to a new generation of customers?

Roger Edwards is managing director of Roger Edwards Marketing Ltd and marketing director of Protection Review

HUNDREDS of thousands of workers will get a pay rise as the Real Living Wage increases today.

Employees of companies including Nationwide, Oxfam and Ikea will all see their hourly rate increase to almost £14 an hour.

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As of today, the real living wage will rise by 60p to £12.60 an hour across the UK or by 70p to £13.85 if you live in London.

The real living wage is different from the government-set minimum wage – it is the only UK pay rate based on the cost of living.

Employers have the right to choose whether they want to offer the real living wage to workers – they are not legally required to do so.

The government’s national living wage is based on recommendations from trade unions and small businesses, and is set this year at a minimum hourly rate of £11.44 for workers over the age of 21.

Across the UK there are over 15,995 companies which pay the real living wage following a campaign on workers’ rights in 2001 by Citizens UK.

Big and small companies across the charity, public and private sectors have pledged to pay the Real Living Wage to their employers.

Here are some well-known examples:

• Nationwide
• Burberry
• Chelsea Football Club
• Everton Football Club
• Liverpool Football Club
• Ikea
• Lush
• The Royal Albert Hall
• ITV
• Saga
• University of Cambridge
• Transport for Greater Manchester
• Thames Water
• Scottish Power
• Ring Go
• Jamie Oliver
• National Express
• Insignia Technologies
• Santander
• Unifrog
• Which?

More than 100 independent businesses, such as coffee shops, pubs and restaurants are also signed up to the fair pay scheme.

For example:

• Twenty Coffee Company, Bristol
• The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye
• The Swan, York
• St Canna’s Ale House, Cardiff
• Brixton Blend Coffee Shop, London

If you want to browse the full list of companies and find out more, you can visit the Real Living Wage Foundation website.

Here you can use searching filters to sift through the companies by region, industry and sector.

There is also an interactive map which you can use to find out which ones on the list are near you.

Just type in your postcode or the type of business you are looking for and it will show you local employers which are on the scheme.

Katherine Chapman, director of the Real Living Wage Foundation said low-paid workers have been “hardest hit by the cost of living crisis.”

She said: “The real living wage remains the only UK wage rate calculated based on actual living costs, and the new rates announced today will make a massive difference to almost half a million workers who will see their pay increase.”

What is the difference between the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage?

The National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage are two different things.

They are both set by the government – so are separate from the Real Living Wage.

The National Living Wage is the legal minimum employers have to pay workers aged 21 and over and is £11.44 an hour.

Before 1 April 2024 the National Living Wage was for those aged 23 and over and was £10.42 an hour.

The National Minimum Wage is the minimum amount that workers under 21 are entitled to.

Exactly how much you get depends on how old you are.

So if you are 21 or over you are entitled to at least £11.44 an hour.

While if you’re 18 to 20, the minimum wage is £8.60 an hour.

And if you’re under 18 or an apprentice this is £6.40 an hour.

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

Walmart’s Affordable Two-Story Tiny Home: The $5,497 Housing Solution

As housing costs continue to rise, more people are looking for affordable alternatives that don’t sacrifice comfort or functionality. Tiny homes are a booming trend, offering a compact and efficient living solution. Walmart is joining the movement with an exciting and budget-friendly offering—a two-story tiny home priced at just $5,497. This could be your ticket to owning a home without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer struggling to enter the housing market, someone seeking a minimalist lifestyle, or just looking for a cost-effective rental property, Walmart’s tiny home could be exactly what you need. Its simple yet versatile design makes it an excellent option for a variety of uses—from a guest house, Airbnb rental, or even a home office or studio space.

On the outside, the small house resembles a straightforward but functional garage shed.

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Tiny Living, Big Benefits

Tiny homes like Walmart’s Best Barns Geneva 12×16 Wood Shed Kit offer more than just a place to live—they’re a lifestyle choice. Embracing tiny living allows homeowners to minimize their carbon footprint, reduce energy consumption, and save money on utilities. For those tired of the burden of large homes and hefty mortgages, a tiny home provides a refreshing alternative.

This specific model is perfect for those who need extra space on their property, whether it’s a single-car garage, a place to store tools, or a cozy living space for guests. From the outside, it resembles a high-quality garage shed, but inside, it’s built to maximize space with a second-floor loft, adding valuable storage or an extra sleeping area.

What’s more, tiny homes are customizable. The Best Barns Geneva model comes pre-primed, so you can easily paint it in your preferred color, making it truly your own. And if you’re a fan of DIY projects, this tiny home provides a hands-on opportunity to enhance your skills, as assembly is required.

In fact, Walmart’s priciest tiny home currently stands at a whopping $29,990. So, if you’re looking for a more budget-conscious option, this $5,497 model offers fantastic value.

Related: Top 3 survey platforms to earn extra cash 2024!  

A Quick and Easy Purchase

One of the standout features of this tiny home is its ease of purchase and delivery. Walmart offers delivery in less than a week, meaning your tiny home could be on your property in just a few days. The current listed price is $5,947, slightly above the $5,497 price point, so be sure to check Walmart’s website for up-to-date pricing, availability, and potential promotions.

While the home is available online, availability may vary between in-store, online, and app purchases. Walmart is currently offering free shipping for this product, with a delivery date as early as Tuesday, October 29. However, stock availability is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check back regularly if the item is out of stock.

Who Should Consider Buying Walmart’s Tiny Home?

• First-time buyers: Entering the housing market can be tough, but Walmart’s tiny home offers an affordable alternative to skyrocketing home prices.
• Airbnb hosts: For those interested in generating rental income, a tiny home is a low-maintenance option that can serve as a cozy retreat for travelers.
• Homeowners needing extra space: Whether it’s for guests, storage, or a home office, this tiny home offers additional living space without the hassle of a major home renovation.
• DIY enthusiasts: If you love working with your hands, assembling this home could be an exciting project that adds value to your property.

Additional Considerations

While Walmart’s tiny home is an appealing choice, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind before purchasing. First, although the home is designed to be a cost-effective housing solution, it doesn’t come with flooring, so you’ll need to budget for this separately. Second, because it’s sold as a shed kit, you’ll need to be comfortable with a DIY assembly or hire a contractor to help put it together.

Moreover, while the home can handle wind speeds of up to 90 mph and snow loads of up to 45 lbs per square foot, it’s important to check local zoning laws and building codes to ensure the structure is compliant in your area. This will help avoid any legal complications and ensure that your tiny home is built to last.

Fast Delivery, Lasting Value

One of the best features? Walmart offers delivery in under a week—meaning your tiny home could arrive in just a few days. The current price is listed at $5,947 online, but it’s always a good idea to double-check Walmart’s website for the latest pricing and availability. While shipping is free at the moment, this is subject to change, so act fast if you’re ready to dive into tiny home living.

Ready to make a move? Visit Walmart’s website to see if this tiny home is in stock and to explore delivery options in your area.

Product Specifications:

Best Barns Geneva 12×16 Wood Shed Kit