Latest news with #Benefits
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Families on benefits can apply now to get up to £120 in free cost of living cash – are you eligible?
THOUSANDS of households can now apply for cost of living cash worth up to £120. Cash-strapped families can get access to the money through the Household Support Fund (HSF). 1 The scheme has been extended several times, with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026. Every council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can give it to residents in need. Exactly how the money will be paid depends on your council but it could come in the form of free cash, vouchers or white goods. Eligibility criteria also varies depending on where you live but the help is usually available to those on benefits or a low income. Households in Middlesbrough can now apply for the support, which is worth up to £120. The money is available to help residents with energy bills, food and essential costs, such as council tax. To qualify for the support you must live at a property in Middlesbrough and be responsible for paying the council tax, rent or a mortgage. The support is being rolled out in stages to different types of residents in need. Households who get benefits and have children can now apply. Families with children who receive free school meals were automatically sent a voucher before July 9. But the cash is also available to families with a child who receives income-related free school meals and: Is aged under five, if another child in the household is eligible for free school meals. Goes to a school outside of Middlesbrough but lives in Middlesbrough. You can also apply if your child is not eligible for income-related free school meals but your household gets one of the following benefits: Council Tax Reduction Income-based Employment and Support Allowance Housing Benefit Income Support Pension Credit Universal Credit Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date. Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible. Eligible households will receive a voucher for £60 per child. This means that if you have two children you could be given £120. To apply visit . It can take up to 21 working days for the council to process applications, so apply now to avoid the payment being delayed. Which other councils are also offering support? Other councils have also announced the details of their schemes. Among them is Sutton, which is offering residents support worth up to £150. To qualify for the cash you must live in the borough of Sutton and have less than £3,000 in your bank account. Meanwhile, North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers of up to £100 to those in need. Plus, families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500. At the same time, Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund is worth £200. Keep an eye on your local council's website or social media channels to avoid missing out. .
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Alliant Insurance Services Expands Benefits Talent with Addition of Cheryl Blake
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cheryl Blake has joined Alliant Insurance Services as Senior Vice President within its Employee Benefits Group. Based in Georgia, Blake joins Alliant with specialized expertise in benefits strategy, global compliance, and HR technology integration. She will work with clients nationwide to design and deliver tailored, cost-effective solutions that drive operational efficiency and business growth. 'Cheryl combines a diverse industry background with a forward-thinking approach that delivers powerful, scalable solutions for clients,' said Kevin Overbey, President, Alliant Employee Benefits. 'She brings a unique ability to navigate both domestic and international benefits challenges with creativity and precision.' Blake has served in multiple leadership roles throughout her career and has been recognized nationally as a top sales performer. Her experience includes advising small to mid-sized employers across all 50 states and helping foreign-owned companies establish operations in the U.S. She provides strategic counsel on PEO structures, 401(k) design, and insurance compliance, while also negotiating with global carriers and integrating HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration systems to enhance compliance and efficiency. Prior to joining Alliant, Blake served as Principal with a national business consulting firm. She earned her bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Georgia and is a Registered Employee Benefits Consultant ®. About Alliant Insurance Services Alliant Insurance Services marks a century of success as the nation's leading specialty broker. We operate through a network of specialized national platforms and local offices to offer our clients a comprehensive portfolio of risk solutions built on innovative thinking and personal service. The business of managing risk is complex, and Alliant meets this complexity head-on with creativity and agility. Alliant has changed the way our clients approach risk management and benefits, giving them complete access to our resources and expertise—regardless of where the resource is located—to capitalize on new opportunities to grow and protect their organizations and their people. Alliant is recognized as a leading destination for top-tier brokerage talent in the U.S., attracting brokers and specialists across a diverse spectrum of disciplines who are eager to advance their careers. With the advantage of being majority employee-owned, professionals choose Alliant for autonomy, unparalleled resources, and a unique equity ownership opportunity. As a testament to our commitment to excellence, Alliant maintains an impressive 99% producer retention rate and has earned Forbes' prestigious title of one of America's Best Large Employers. Visit us at
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Labour benefits revolt mounts as legislation to stop handouts spiralling is unveiled TODAY... while poll shows party slipping into THIRD behind Tories
Keir Starmer is braced for a Labour revolt on benefits today as the government publishes legislation designed to stop handouts spiralling. Labour MPs are gearing up for battle with the leadership over the Welfare Reform Bill, which is being introduced in the House of Commons later. The PM has sounded defiance over the plans to curb disability and sickness benefits, insisting there will be no substantive concessions. Instead he has hinted that there could be movement on loosening the two-child benefit cap, after the U-turn on pensioners' winter fuel allowance But there are fears dozens of backbenchers will rebel in crunch votes, with even some ministers said to be on resignation watch. The stakes for Labour have been underlined as a poll showed the party slipping into third place behind Reform and the Tories. Although other surveys have suggested Nigel Farage 's advantage is narrowing, the figures are likely to be seized on by those urging a change in direction. Labour MPs have warned the proposals will 'destroy lives' and are 'impossible to support' The welfare reforms are set to include the tightening of criteria for the main disability benefit in England, personal independence payment (Pip). Ministers also want to cut the sickness related element of universal credit, and delay access to it, so only those aged 22 and over can claim it. The package of reforms is aimed at encouraging more people off sickness benefits and into work, and the Government hopes it can save up to £5billion a year by doing so. That is essential for Rachel Reeves' efforts to balance the books, although the overall benefits bill would still be increasing. However, Labour MPs have warned the proposals will 'destroy lives' and are 'impossible to support'. Sir Keir said he was 'determined' to ensure the reforms go through because he feels the welfare system 'doesn't work for anyone'. 'It doesn't work for those that want to get back to work, and it certainly doesn't work for the taxpayer,' the Prime Minister told Good Morning Britain, saying 'those that need to be protected should be protected'. 'If you need help in support to get into work, the Government should be providing that support and help to get into work,' he said. 'If you do have conditions, disabilities that mean it is impossible for you to work, then you need to be properly protected and supported.' Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall previously warned there are 1,000 new Pip awards every day – 'the equivalent of adding a city the size of Leicester every single year'. In a minor tweak, Ms Kendall has agreed to include 'non-negotiable' protections in the Bill, including a 'transitional' guarantee that those who no longer qualify for Pip will still receive the payments for 13 weeks, rather than just four weeks. The Bill is set to be introduced as the latest benefits data has shown that more than 3.7million people in England and Wales are claiming Pip, with teenagers and young adults making up a growing proportion. The Department for Work and Pensions figures released yesterday showed there were a record 3.74 million people in England and Wales claiming Pip as of April this year. That was up from 3.69million in January and a jump of 200,000 from 3.54million a year earlier. Data for Pip claimants begins in January 2019, when the number stood at 2.05million. Pip is a benefit aimed at helping with extra living costs if someone has a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of their condition. Teenagers and young adults account for a growing proportion of those getting Pip. Some 16.5 per cent of claimants in April this year were aged 16-19, up from 14.6 per cent in April 2019. The 30-44 age group has similarly grown, while the number of 45-59 year-olds has fallen. The figure for 60-74 year-olds has risen slightly over this period, from 29.3% to 30.8 per cent. Downing Street insisted it was 'crucial to say we are committed to the reforms that we've set out'. A No10 spokesman said: 'You've heard that from the Prime Minister, the Chancellor, the Work and Pensions Secretary, on the principles behind this and the urgent need for this. 'You have the statistics, they show we have the highest level of working age inactivity due to ill health in Western Europe. 'We're the only major economy whose employment rate hasn't recovered since the pandemic.' Pip will remain 'an important non-means-tested benefit for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, regardless of whether they are in or out of work', he said, but added the Government would build a 'system that is fairer' through its reforms. It is thought the restrictions on Pip would slash benefits for about 800,000 people.
Tourism Breaking News
30-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Majid Al Futtaim and Ennismore announce plans for Egypt's first 25hours Hotel
Post Views: 60 Majid Al Futtaim announced a new strategic partnership with Ennismore to launch Egypt's first 25hours Hotel at Junction, Majid Al Futtaim's upcoming business and lifestyle destination in West Cairo. The new addition marks the debut of the 25hours brand in the Egyptian market, reinforcing Junction's position as a dynamic hub for hospitality, business, and culture. Bringing a playful, design-led approach to hospitality, 25hours will inject fresh creative energy into West Cairo. Known for its eclectic interiors, strong sense of place, and immersive storytelling, the brand's arrival signals a bold reimagining of how hotels contribute to urban culture. Gaurav Bhushan, Chief Executive Officer for Ennismore, said, 'Ennismore is honoured to be partnering with Majid Al Futtaim to bring 25hours to Egypt for the first time, especially within a lifestyle destination like Junction. Each 25hours Hotel is inspired by the rich culture and history of its location, and we look forward to creating a strong sense of storytelling through design and community spaces through our restaurants and bars for our guests.' 'At Majid Al Futtaim, we believe in creating destinations that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of today's customers. The arrival of 25hours at Junction marks an exciting moment in our refounding journey and continues our longstanding legacy of introducing bold, innovative concepts to the communities we serve.' said Ahmed El Shamy, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Properties. 'This partnership also marks a significant step in our vision to create destinations that are both commercially vibrant and culturally meaningful, while further reinforcing our long-term commitment to building integrated, future-ready environments that drive economic growth and foster innovation.' Situated in the heart of Junction, the hotel will feature approximately 250 keys, comprising both hotel rooms and 25hours Heimat branded residences. Designed to reflect the 25hours ethos, the property will offer guests a more immersive connection to the brand's distinctive lifestyle experience. Guests and residents will have access to three distinctive dining venues, coworking areas, spa and wellness facilities, and flexible spaces for meetings and events. Innovatively transcending conventional residential norms, 25hours Heimat offers an unparalleled living experience, complete with a range of unconventional amenities accessed through an on-site concierge and Accor's Ownership Benefits Programme. Founded in Germany and now part of Ennismore, a global collective of lifestyle brands, 25hours continues to grow and expand, boasting a reputation for creative, experience-driven stays that are rooted in the identity of each location. Bringing together premium business and lifestyle offerings, Junction spans more than 129,000 sqm across two interconnected plots. The development includes 13 cutting-edge office buildings, curated retail and F&B experiences, and sustainable infrastructure designed to meet LEED Gold certification standards. With 97,000 sqm of flexible, state-of-the-art workspace, Junction is purpose-built for modern business and future-ready enterprises. First introduced in April 2025, Junction is a key part of Majid Al Futtaim's development strategy in Egypt. The destination is designed to foster productivity, creativity, and community through its modern infrastructure, walkable layout, and curated public spaces. With sustainability as a core principle, Junction aims to achieve LEED Gold certification. Blending commercial and lifestyle elements, Junction is redefining the way people work, collaborate, and engage with the city. The arrival of 25hours will add a new layer of vibrancy to Junction, helping shape it into a landmark destination for business, culture, and modern enterprise.
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
UIDAI makes public non-personal Aadhaar Dashboard Data to promote transparency, research
New Delhi [India], May 19 (ANI): The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has begun sharing non-personal, anonymised data from the Aadhaar Dashboard on the open government data platform, according to a statement from the Ministry of Electronics and IT. The move aims to further promote transparency, research, and data-driven policy making. The datasets, released by the Chief Data Officer (CDO) and Deputy Director General of UIDAI, include aggregated insights on Aadhaar enrolment, updates, and authentication patterns, categorised by geography, age group and other relevant parameters. By making these non-personal and anonymised datasets accessible, UIDAI aims to support academic research, innovation in digital services, and collaborative developments. The Minister added that this initiative opens new avenues for evidence-based policy-making and technological innovation, furthering UIDAI's commitment to transparency, public good, and secure data governance. 'It also aligns with the broader government vision of fostering evidence-based policy making and maximising the value of open data for the public good. It is expected to further boost digital inclusion and governance efficiency,' the ministry added. Aadhaar, India's 12-digit unique identification number, has reshaped the nation's approach to identity verification and service delivery since its inception in 2009. The program was launched with a mission to provide every resident with a reliable, digitally verifiable identity using minimal demographic and biometric data. Aadhaar's robust authentication framework addresses long-standing issues of identity-related fraud and resource leakage by eliminating duplicate and fake identities. This ambitious initiative has grown into the world's largest digital identity program, enabling authentication anytime, anywhere, and facilitating transparent, targeted distribution of services, benefits, and subsidies. The establishment of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to oversee the issuance of Aadhaar marked a significant step forward. In 2016, UIDAI gained statutory status under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act, 2016, further solidifying its role in India's governance. (ANI)
