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The Independent
25 minutes ago
- The Independent
September 2025 bank holiday payment dates for benefits and pensions plus cost of living support
Approaching the end of the school holidays, a few of the financial pressures of the last few weeks may start to ease up for families in the UK. But for millions in the country, managing the cost of living remains a daily struggle as prices continue to rise faster than household incomes. Recent research from the Resolution Foundation found that the cost of essentials in the UK has remained stubbornly high, long past the 'peak' of the cost of living crisis in 2022. Despite inflation returning to pre-pandemic levels, the cost of goods has remained persistently high in the face of stagnant wages. At the same time, exorbitant household bills mean millions are grappling with debts to afford the essentials. Around 7.3 million adults (13.9 per cent of households) experienced food insecurity in January 2025, figures from The Food Foundation reveal, showing no signs of returning to pre-2022 levels. Meanwhile, energy arrears have more than doubled over the past five years, rising to £3.9 billion at the end of 2024. Against this difficult economic backdrop, it's important that households are claiming all the support the they entitled to. There are now around 24 million people in the country claiming some combination of DWP-administered benefits, representing around one in three people. Yet research by Policy in Practice shows that £23 billion worth of benefits goes unclaimed every year – you can use their helpful calculator to work out what you might be entitled to. Here is an overview of the financial support available to households this September and key dates for benefit and state pension recipients to look out for: Benefit payment dates in September Benefit payments will be going out as normal in September as there are no bank holidays to be aware of. These include: Universal Credit State pension Pension credit Child benefit Disability living allowance Personal independence payment (PIP) Attendance allowance Carer's allowance Employment support allowance Income support Jobseeker's allowance For more information on how and when state benefits are paid, visit the government's website. The DWP is aiming to complete the migration of all 'legacy benefits' to Universal Credit by January 2026. Those receiving tax credits, income support, jobseeker's allowance, and housing benefit should have received a notice about moving to Universal Credit already. Are you having issues with PIP, Universal Credit, or any other benefit? Get in touch via email: Pension payment dates in September The basic state pension is paid straight into bank accounts similar to how benefits are paid. It is usually paid every four weeks, with the exact day you receive it corresponding to the last two digits of your national insurance (NI) number. Here's when you should be paid based on those numbers: 00 to 19: Monday 20 to 39: Tuesday 40 to 59: Wednesday 60 to 79: Thursday 80 to 99: Friday When will benefit rates go up? In April, all benefits were uprated by 1.7 per cent, matching the September 2024 inflation figure. The increase applied to all working-age benefits, including universal credit, PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, carer's allowance, ESA and more. Meanwhile, in line with the triple lock, the state pension has risen by 4.1 per cent – up £472 a year – matching wage growth in 2024. In April 2026, all Universal Credit claimants will receive an above-inflation increase to their income following the passage of Labour's controversial welfare bill. These extra-inflationary increases will continue yearly until 2029, with the first being a rise of at least 2.3 per cent. However, at the same time, the monthly payment rate for the health-related element of Universal Credit for new claimants will be cut from £105 to £50. This rate will also be frozen until 2029. This is a reduction of over £200 a month, cutting the additional rate by around half. This means it is advisable for anyone who thinks they might be eligible to apply as soon as they can. Other help available Budgeting advance loans The government offers a 'budgeting advance loan' for people on Universal Credit who face an emergency lack of money. The loan has a maximum repayment period of two years. These loans are interest-free, and automatically deducted from Universal Credit payments. You can borrow an 'advance' of up to: £348 if you're single £464 if you're part of a couple £812 if you or your partner claim Child Benefit Following the Labour Budget in October, a new cap has been introduced on the amount the DWP can deduct from benefit payments to repay loans and debts, including budgeting advance loans. From April 2025, deductions from universal credit will be capped at 15 per cent of the standard allowance, down from 25 per cent. Discretionary Housing Payment Households can apply to their council for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP), which offers financial support to go towards rent or housing costs. You can only get a DHP if you are in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. It can cover housing costs for a rent shortfall, rent deposits and rent in advance if you need to move home. Exact eligibility and the funds available are decided on a council-by-council basis, so you will need to get in touch with your local authority to find out more. Household Support Fund The Household Support Fund (HSF), distributed by local councils, offers vital assistance to those facing financial hardship, complementing standard benefits and grants. As part of this government initiative, eligible households throughout the UK can access support such as essential appliances, contributions towards utility bills, and direct cash payments reaching up to £300. Local authorities are free to decide how to allocate their HSF funding to suit households in their area, so exactly what is available will vary. To apply, households need to contact their council (most offer an online form). This nationwide program is set to run until March 2026. The government has committed £1 billion in funding to transition it into a 'Crisis and Resilience Fund', which will also replace the DHP. Charitable grants If you are struggling financially, you may be eligible for certain charitable grants. There are a wide range of grants available depending on your circumstances. However, these grants will typically require you to meet specific criteria and only be able to offer limited funds. Charitable grants are available for people who are disabled or ill, carers, bereaved, unemployed, students – and many more. The charity Turn2us has an online tool to search for grants which may be available to you. Energy provider help A number of energy suppliers offer help for those struggling with their energy bills. These include British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, and Octopus. It is worth contacting your energy provider to find out if you are eligible. Council tax reduction If you meet certain criteria or are on certain benefits, you may be able to apply for a discount on your council tax discount of up to 100 per cent (this is sometimes called council tax support). Your local council may still be able to offer you a discretionary reduction if you are able to demonstrate you are facing severe hardship and can't afford to pay your council tax. To apply for a council tax reduction, you can contact your local council via the government's website. Up to 30 hours of free childcare All working parents in the UK are currently entitled to 30 hours of free childcare for children aged 3 to 4. From 1 April 2024, this entitlement expanded to include 15 hours of free childcare for 2-year-olds. From 1 September, it was expanded again to include all children from the age of nine months. You must apply online and reconfirm your eligibility every three months, in time for each school term. Working parents can also apply for tax-free childcare, giving back 20p for every 80p you put towards childcare, up to a maximum of £500 a year. The final expansion to free childcare, coming in September 2025, will see all children under five eligible for 30 hours. Energy Price Cap: Is it going up? Ofgem's energy price cap has be decreased from £1,849 to £1,720 for July to September – a drop of 7 per cent. The welcome fall follows three consecutive rises. The figure for October to December will be announced at the end of August. The energy price cap is the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy if you're on a standard variable tariff. That includes most households. It is expressed as an annual bill for an average home. Will there be another Cost of Living Payment in 2025? The DWP have not announced any continuation of the Cost of Living Payment scheme that ran between 2022 and 2024. The final payment should have been made to eligible households between 6 February and 22 February 2024. Mental health support In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@ or visit to find your nearest branch. Mind runs a support line on 0300 102 1234 which provides a safe and confidential place to talk about how you're feeling. There is also an information line on 0300 123 3393 for nearby support, and a welfare benefits line on 0300 222 5782 to support the mental health of those navigating the benefits system. Disability charity Scope has a forum where people can have supportive chats to others going through the same experiences. NHS England offers an online mental health triage service.
BBC News
26 minutes ago
- BBC News
'Stressful summer' - but Howe 'excited' for season
Eddie Howe could not help but laugh."I was going to give the stock answer," the Newcastle United head coach said, when asked how his summer had been. "But it has been stressful..."That is an went into the transfer window with no CEO and no sporting director, which Howe said was "not ideal".CEO Darren Eales handed in his notice last autumn because of a serious health problem and is yet to be replaced, while Paul Mitchell announced in May he was leaving his role as sporting the transfer window, Newcastle have missed out on several targets, including strikers Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro, and goalkeeper James is also dealing with the fact striker Alexander Isak remains determined to join Liverpool after the champions had a £110m bid rejected earlier this wonder he feels it has been a stressful time. Isak situation 'not healthy' for Newcastle Isak continues to train away from the rest of his team-mates - and his absence has been only has the Swede been Newcastle's talisman, he was also popular in the dressing room."I don't think it's been healthy for us," Howe said. "I don't deny that's been a big challenge."Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world - if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap."The situation remains "ongoing", and Howe recognises Newcastle will "have to find a way without him" for their opening Premier League game against Aston acknowledged there had been a "negativity around us" during the transfer window which they had to "try to repel and not absorb".And with things unsettled behind the scenes, he has made it clear to his players they have to be "more together than ever"."I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season," he said. "There was nothing I could do to affect that - it was always going to be there."When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it's difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what's going on and how to react."But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation. That's always been my train of thought."Whatever situation you're in, you have got to find a way and you can only control what you can control. We have moved forward and I've got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks." 'Our appetites are whetted' Prior to this week, Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale had been Newcastle's only senior additions this it feels like progress has been made in recent days, with Newcastle in advanced negotiations with Aston Villa to sign midfielder Jacob Ramsey having already signed defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan."I'm really excited by Malick," Howe said. "I think he is a great age. He's full of potential and the best of his career is yet to come."He's an imposing character. He's 6ft 4in, quick, athletic, good on the ball. Those types of players are very rare to find. He's a good character as well so I'm very excited by what he can bring."I like all our signings. Anthony will bring his unique mix of pace, speed and creativity. Aaron is a real character. We have known him for a long time, but he's a very good goalkeeper."I'm still hoping for more. I think we need more. We have got some big gaps within the squad still."Callum Wilson left the club when his contract expired in the summer, and Howe acknowledged "centre-forward is an issue"."We have been looking to replace Callum for some time," he said. "He was such a good servant for us and, of course, we have had issues with Alex's situation this year so that position is definitely a cause for concern."Understandably so. Newcastle remain interested in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, and Anthony Gordon looks set to lead the line against Aston the season with a winger up front was never part of the plan, but Howe's determination is palpable as Newcastle look to build on qualifying for the Champions League and ending their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy."When you experience that and you have the feeling of winning, you think it's going to be great but, let me tell you, the experience is even better than I thought it would be," he said. "It does make you hungrier for more."It does make you appreciate the role you're doing, the job you're doing, and the ability to affect the people around Newcastle in the way we did."Our appetites are whetted. We're desperate for more success but we know how difficult it is and we know the challenge that awaits us with every team in the Premier League getting better and stronger. We're going to have to do the same." Howe driven by mum's memory A few months have passed since Newcastle's Carabao Cup final victory over the game, a tearful Howe reflected on "the people that aren't with you" - including his late mum Anne. She was a single parent who raised Howe and his siblings while holding down several jobs, and encouraged Howe to follow his dreams."She's still with me every day," he said. "It's a difficult one because you're not consciously thinking about her on a minute-by-minute basis or even a day-by-day basis to a degree."But I know that her spirit, her courage and her determination is with me in so many different ways in how I act and behave. I know she's willing me on from somewhere, and very proud. I just hope to do her justice in the way that I work."I feel I have a duty to protect her legacy by how I conduct myself in what I do. I'm very driven for more success. I'm very determined to do my best, which is all I can do, and hopefully that will be good enough."Howe is also intent on making those closest to him proud after they followed him up from the south wife Vicki and sons Harry, Rocky and Theo have certainly bought into life on said: "I asked my youngest to do something yesterday and his answer was: 'Howay dad!' I always have a little second glance and check their language."It's brilliant that they're fully immersed in the Newcastle way of life, the language, the way of thinking. It's such a great area with such positive, driven and motivated people. I'm very proud that they are going to be adopted Geordies."Howe acknowledged his family are one of a small group of people who see the "down days" and said they were "very supportive"."They know when to leave dad alone just for a few minutes and let him digest what has just happened," he said. "Sometimes they can be brutal with a joke that actually lifts the atmosphere. You take it in a light-hearted way because it's coming from such a good place."They are absolutely vital in enabling me to work and enjoy my life. They're part of it and I'm very proud of them."Howe, undoubtedly, has had a challenging summer but remains determined to make this season another one to remember."If you can't be excited by what we have to come - the Champions League, all the competitions we are going to be in - there is something wrong," he said. "If I wasn't excited, I'd be the wrong person in this chair."
Daily Mail
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Home repossessions jump 47% in a year as more households struggle with higher mortgage rates
The number of homes repossessed between April and June this year jumped 47 per cent compared to the same period last year, new data shows. Home repossessions were also up 10 per cent compared to the first three months of the year, says UK Finance. The figures show 1,340 homeowner-mortgaged properties were repossessed in the second quarter of 2025 as borrowers coming off lower mortgage rates onto higher ones struggle to stay on top of payments. According to the Bank of England, the rate charged on outstanding mortgages rose to 3.88 per cent in June, up from 2.93 per cent in June 2024 and 2.17 per cent in June 2020. In addition, claims for possessions – the start of the process for lenders looking to repossess a property for mortgage arrears – increased 22 per cent to 6,537 and warrants for possession rose 28 per cent to 3,787, data released by the Ministry of Justice shows. Rachel Springall of Moneyfacts Compare, says: 'It is worrying to see a growing number of borrowers can no longer keep up with mortgage repayments and are having properties repossessed.' Home repossessions have jumped year on year by 47 per cent data from UK Finance shows Meanwhile Landlord repossessions rose by 11 per cent year-on-year, in a 'stark warning to landlords.' Landlord repossessions fell 2 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2025 with 790 buy-to-let mortgaged properties repossessed in the second quarter of 2025. Rachel adds: 'Landlords with a portfolio may have to sell up in the coming months if they are finding their margins squeezed.' Though the number of repossessions rose since the same period last year, overall repossession numbers remain 'significantly lower than long-term averages' according to UK Finance. It comes as the number of homeowner mortgages in arrears fell by 3 per cent between April and June this year. There were 87,380 homeowner mortgages in arrears of 2.5 per cent or more in the second quarter of the year, data from industry body UK Finance shows. The number of buy-to-let mortgage arrears also dropped, falling 5 per cent to 11,270. Though the number of homeowners and landlords in arrears fell, Rachel says: 'The incentive to refinance is critical, as there is a difference of more than 2 per cent to escape a revert rate, compared to 1 per cent back in August 2023, based on the average two-year fixed rate versus the Moneyfacts average Standard Variable Rate.' How to find a new mortgage Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible. Buy-to-let landlords should also act as soon as they can. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you What if I need to remortgage? Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it. Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees. Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. What if I am buying a home? Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power. What about buy-to-let landlords Buy-to-let landlords with interest-only mortgages will see a greater jump in monthly costs than homeowners on residential mortgages. This makes remortgaging in plenty of time essential and our partner L&C can help with buy-to-let mortgages too. How to compare mortgage costs The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker. This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice. Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. > Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
