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Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Universal Credit freebies you can claim in August worth more than £17,000
The amount of Universal Credit you can receive each month depends on your personal circumstances but now millions of households are missing out on thousands of pounds' worth of extra support Universal Credit freebies and discounts worth more than £17,000 are up for grabs during August. Currently, around six million people in the UK are claiming Universal Credit. Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), this benefit is provided to individuals on low incomes or out of work. The monthly amount you receive varies based on your personal circumstances, meaning some months could see a higher payout than others. However, millions of households on Universal Credit are failing to take advantage of thousands of pounds' worth of additional support – from complimentary food to savings bonuses and council tax reductions. You could potentially save over £17,000 across 12 months with these 18 discounts and freebies. Birmingham Live reports that the Household Support Fund offers financial aid, potentially up to £500, to vulnerable households in England to assist with essential costs like food, energy, and water bills. Managed by local authorities, this fund forms part of the government's wider support for those grappling with the escalating cost of living. The current phase of the fund runs from now to March 31, 2026. Here's a breakdown of all the bonuses you could get: Warm Home Discount – £150 The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 reduction on your electricity bill for the winter period, spanning October to March, if you're eligible. This discount is not available in Northern Ireland. If you are a homeowner or private tenant in Northern Ireland with a household income below £23,000, it's worth checking out the affordable warmth scheme. The cash isn't handed to you directly; instead, your electricity bill will see a discount applied. Plus, if you're on a dual fuel tariff with your supplier providing both gas and electricity, you could also see savings on your gas bill. Discounted broadband and mobile – save up to £196.68 A number of broadband providers have introduced more wallet-friendly plans for those on certain benefits, known as "social tariffs". With prices kicking off at £11 a month, and capping at around £20, these deals are a steal. TalkTalk even throws in six months gratis, though you'll need to go through the JobCentre and be actively job hunting to snag this offer. Each provider has their own process for applying for a social tariff, but typically it's a straightforward online or phone application where you'll need to show proof of your benefit claim to get the green light. Free school meals – save up to £503.50 per child annually In England, all kids in state schools from reception up to Year Two get free food, no matter what the family earns. But if you're getting certain benefits like Universal Credit, JSA, or Child Tax Credits, your older children could munch on free school meals too. The application process varies depending on your location. Some individuals may be able to apply through their local council, while others might need to liaise directly with their children's school. If you qualify for free school meals, you might also receive similar assistance during school holidays. Council tax reduction – up to £2,280 If you're on a low income or claiming benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax bill. The discount you're entitled to depends on your local council and their criteria, but in some cases, it could be reduced by 100 percent, equating to £2,280 for certain council tax bands. To apply for a council tax reduction, you'll need to visit the Government's website and apply via your local council. Single households can claim the single-person discount, which is 25 percent, regardless of whether they're claiming benefits. Help with water bills – hundreds off your annual bill All water companies provide a social tariff for qualifying customers that reduces water bills. To be placed on this tariff, you'll need to contact your water company. If you reside in England and receive Universal Credit, you might also qualify to have your water bills capped or slashed through the WaterSure scheme. To be eligible, you must already have a water meter fitted and demonstrate that you require substantial water usage. You'll also need to have three or more children under 19 in full-time education, or share your home with someone whose medical condition necessitates additional water consumption. Welsh residents can access support through WaterSure Wales. Energy grants – up to £1,500 Match Energy explains: "Energy suppliers are also offering cash grants to those hardest hit by bill rises. You'll need to contact your supplier directly to see what they offer, what the eligibility requirements are, and how much you can get". "If you don't know who your supplier is, give a member of our team a call today before its too late ! Households can get up to £1,500 in grants from the British Gas Energy Trust to help pay their bills." Free prescriptions and dental care You're entitled to assistance with health costs if, you make your claim that you're in a relationship and report how the take-home pay threshold relates to your joint take-home earnings. You must provide a copy of your Universal Credit award notice as proof of your entitlement. Help to Save – up to £300 a year Help to Save operates as a savings account type. It enables certain individuals entitled to Working Tax Credit or claiming Universal Credit to receive a bonus of 50p for every £1 they put aside over four years. Help to Save enjoys government backing, meaning all savings within the scheme remain completely secure. You're able to save anywhere from £1 to £50 each calendar month, with no obligation to contribute every single month. While you can make multiple payments throughout the month, the maximum monthly contribution remains £50 - meaning if you've deposited £50 by January 8, you'll need to wait until February 1 before making another payment. Withdrawals from your Help to Save account can only be made directly to your bank account. School uniform grants – up to £200 Families receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit, may be eligible for up to £200 towards their child's school uniform costs through a non-repayable grant. Money Saving Expert clarifies: "Typically, to get means-tested free school meals, you need to be getting a specified benefit. These include Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit and others – see which benefits count. The exact criteria for free school meals varies slightly around the UK – see full info and how to apply in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales". Free or discounted travel – up to 50 percent off The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card offers a whopping 50 percent discount on rail travel for those receiving Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit. This card is available to those who have been claiming for a specific period (three - nine months for 18-24 year olds, three - 12 months for those 25+). It also provides discounts on bus and tram fares in London. Flexible Support Fund – no official cap The Flexible Support Fund (FSF) is a fund offered by local Jobcentres at the discretion of Jobcentre Plus advisers. The fund was introduced in 2011 and its purpose is to give Jobcentre Plus Districts, and their adviser's, more freedom to give support to local need. Maternity grants - £500 per child New parents are also able to receive a £500 one-off payment, which doesn't need to be paid back, to help with childcare costs through the Sure Start grant. You'll qualify if you're already claiming benefits and expecting your first child, or if you have children already and are expecting twins or triplets. You must claim this money within 11 weeks in advance of the baby's due date or within six months after the child is born. Healthy Start vouchers – up to £442/year If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We'll add your benefit onto this card every four weeks. Funeral expenses payment – up to £1,000 You may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment if you meet the following criteria: you're receiving certain benefits, your relationship with the deceased meets the specified rules, and you're organising a funeral in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. If you don't qualify for Funeral Expenses Payment, there might be other financial assistance available to help cover the funeral costs. You could also be eligible if you're receiving a Support for Mortgage Interest loan. Even if you've applied for these benefits and are awaiting a decision, you can still claim Funeral Expenses Payment. Childcare support – up to £1,769/month If you're claiming Universal Credit, you might be able to get some of your childcare costs paid upfront. You can receive 85% of your costs covered up to a maximum of £1,014 for one child or £1,739 for two or more children. Free childcare hours – up to £7,500 If you're claiming Universal Credit, you might be able to get some of your childcare costs paid upfront. You can receive 85 percent of your costs covered up to a maximum of £1,014 for one child or £1,739 for two or more children. Discounted glasses and eye tests – up to £233.56 Individuals on certain benefits who meet specific criteria can access free NHS eye tests and discounted glasses, saving them up to £233. If you're on Universal Credit, whether you're entitled to free NHS prescriptions depends on your earnings during the most recent assessment period. You can utilise the Government's eligibility checker tool on its website to determine what you might be entitled to. NHS prescriptions currently stand at £9.90 in the UK. You may also receive assistance with prescriptions, dental and eye care costs through the NHS Low Income scheme. You can even obtain free wigs and help with travel expenses if it's for health appointments.
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
DVLA hands out 464 'bans' in major crackdown on UK cars ahead of big change
The DVLA has banned a series of number plates that were set to be released in September, with the 75 plate having a number of banned combinations for being too rude As we gear up for the new '75' registration plate coming into effect from September 1, the DVLA has clamped down on a series of number plates it considers too saucy for British streets. Among the banned combinations are 'BO75 OCK', 'BL75 JOB' and 'DR75 NKY'. The DVLA conducts a biannual clean-up operation in March and September to weed out any number plate combinations that might cause a stir or offence. The no-go list includes references to violence, drugs, crime, discrimination, political stances, explicit language, or anything that could be seen as embarrassing or inflammatory. Carwow 's head of editorial, Iain Reid, said: "Personalised plates are always a source of creativity - and sometimes controversy. "Every release brings a wave of cheeky, clever, and occasionally questionable suggestions that the DVLA has to sift through." He added: "While most are light-hearted, it's important the system filters out anything that could cause genuine offence. With each new series, it's fascinating to see where the line is drawn." Carwow's rundown of prohibited plates shows that the '5' in '75' is particularly troublesome this time, as it resembles an 'S', leading to the vetoing of risque, suggestive or unsuitable combinations like 'BO75 OCK', 'BL75 JOB', 'DR75 NKY' and 'TO75 ERR', reports Birmingham Live. Plates with politically or socially sensitive connotations have also been given the boot, such as 'EU75 WAR' – hinting at international strife, 'NO75 LAB' – indicating a jab at a political party, and 'NO75 LEZ' – targeting low-emission zones. Several plates that hint at sexual innuendo or slang were also turned down, including 'PE75 RVS', 'TE75 CLE', 'PR75 TIT'. Mark Trimbee, CEO of Regtransfers, added: "These bans ensure that number plates on the road aren't those that could be translated into something offensive, inflammatory, insulting, obscene or otherwise problematic." As explained by the banned number plates aim to prevent drivers from breaking the rules and facing hefty fines up to £1,000 for not meeting the standards. For first-time offenders, a warning gets issued, giving the driver up to 14 days to rectify the issue. Serious offences can lead to the registration being confiscated and, in some worst cases, failing the MOT or even seizing the car. The DVLA also auctions desirable combinations of numbers and letters that form nicknames, phrases or initials - with the bidding kicking off from £250. This follows an Oasis number plate gaining popularity in light of the reunion tour. The DVLA has confirmed it has prohibited a total of 464 combinations from the 75 series.
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers buying cars with low mileage hit with fresh warning over little-known issue
Motorists are being warned that buying a car with low mileage could actually be a sign that it's not in great condition as the vehicle could have developed issues Low mileage is often a key factor for individuals when purchasing a new car - it can potentially signal a good deal if the odometer isn't too high. However, drivers are cautioned to delve deeper than just the mileage displayed on the dashboard. A good car for a decent price is a dream for many, but in some cases, it's too good to be true. While low mileage may suggest that a car has been well-maintained, experts warn that vehicles can also develop problems as a direct result of infrequent use. Expert Sarah Jenkins, from My Car Reg Check, said: "People assume that a car with 30,000 miles on the clock is automatically a safer bet than one with 80,000 – but that's not always true. Cars are designed to be driven. If they sit idle for months or years, they often develop hidden mechanical issues that don't show up until it's too late." Problems with low-mileage cars can include brakes, tyres and battery and electrical faults, reports Birmingham Live. Sarah continued: "We're now seeing a real-world pattern in the data. "Some of the biggest problems we flag in low-mileage used cars include perished rubber, seized brakes, sluggish engines, and interior damp. That bargain might not feel so cheap once you're hit with a £600 garage bill." She added: "Ask questions. Has the car been regularly serviced? Was it stored in a garage or left outside? Is there a clear MOT trail showing steady mileage? A good history matters more than a low odometer reading. Low mileage can be a selling point – but only if the car's been looked after. It's not a guarantee of quality. Sometimes, it's the opposite." When buying a car, you don't need to be a complete expert to know whether a car is worth spending hundreds or even thousands of pounds for. Therefore, it's important to check a few things before you give the final answer to the dealer. Experts at Bristol Street Motors have compiled a simple list of things to look out for when buying a second-hand car. It's straightforward and only takes a couple of extra minutes to ensure that you're getting the best deal possible. A car is a long-term commitment, and you don't want to get stuck with one that doesn't work like it's supposed to!
Daily Record
16 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Warning for anyone still using landlines in huge change affecting 137 UK areas
More than 100 towns and villages will be affected by the change. A warning has been issued to anyone still using a landline in the UK. A huge change is coming to dozens of areas across the UK that will see them stop working. Landline users have been put on alert ahead of the major shake-up, with 137 locations in Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to be affected. The landline network is being upgraded from analogue to digital by providers, meaning that phone calls will be carried via a broadband connection rather than through copper wires, Birmingham Live reports. BT Openreach has announced the latest areas on its Stop Sell list, 137 in total. Among the Scottish locations confirmed are Annbank, Lockerbie, Eskdalemuir, Hawick, Pencaitland, and Ulva Ferry. Openreach's managed customer migrations manager, James Lilley, said that move is "critical" to keep the UK communications network ready for the future. He said there was a focus on getting people across the UK using "newer, future-proofed technologies" due to the "decline" in the copper wire system. Lilley said: "The Stop Sell programme is a critical part of ensuring that the UK's communication infrastructure is ready to meet the demands of the future. "Taking advantage of the progress of our Full Fibre build and encouraging people to upgrade where a majority can access our new network is the right thing to do. "It makes no sense, both operationally and commercially, to keep the old copper network and our new fibre network running side-by-side. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "As copper's ability to support modern communications declines, the immediate focus is getting people onto newer, future-proofed technologies." The full fibre upgrade is triggered when users switch service providers or upgrade their broadband or phone service. Certain providers may also move blocks of consumers in some areas to full fibre. This will help them with qualifying for volume discounts and as they find that the reliability of full fibre reduces support costs once the upgrade is live. Full list of 137 new UK locations of the Stop Sell list Glarryford Aghadowey Pomeroy Clogher Fintona Dromore/Tyrone Drumquin Ashby De La Zouch Freeland Adderbury Broomfield Woodham Ferrers Framingham Newhaven Sacriston Hoghton Penrith Dalston New Brancepeth Annbank Newton Stewart Ballingry Lockerbie Chudleigh Milford Haven Bala Llandrindod Wells Stourport Fernhill Heath Kessingland Teversham Silsoe Saint Faith Great Dunmow Girton Dymchurch Shildon Whitley Bridge Whaley Bridge Pencaitland Durrington Romsey Plymstock Midsomer Norton Forden Alsager Haslington Dyserth Sandbach Stonehouse Hengoed Amlwch Pershore Menai Bridge Llandovery Manningtree Dickleburgh Chestfield South Milford Dolgellau Avebury Lockeridge Newton Tracey Ogbourne St George Sandon Llanbedrog Llanfrynach Eskdalemuir Long Bredy Berriedale Sanday Llandyrnog Dolwen Dolgarrog Chapelton Pennyghael Ulva Ferry Buckland St Mary Bishopswood Hawick Tottington Eastwood Purfleet Locks Heath Hook Felling Southbourne St Austell Stubbington Lynemouth Starcross Loughborough Easton Wolverhampton Ashford Uxbridge Woodford Smallbrook Wood St Aylesbury Ingleby Barwick Leytonstone Stockton Sutton In Ashfield Washington Worle Darlington Holmfirth Bedford Goscote Bishops Cleeve Wolviston Armthorpe Barnwood Desborough Coppull Trentham Sale Hexton Appley Bridge Manningham Stoke City Warsop
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Get the latest Aston Villa in the USA tour news sent straight to your phone
Join our Aston Villa WhatsApp group and get breaking news, match action and features from the club's pre-season tour of the United States. Villa fans who want to join our community must have WhatsApp downloaded on their phone. Then all you have to do is click on this link, select 'Join Community' and you're in! What's more, it is a free service, so what's not to like? No one will be able to see your details in the community and you will only receive messages from the BirminghamLive team. We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive regular updates from us as Unai Emery and his team continue their summer tour of the USA. If for some reason you decide you no longer want to be in our community, you can leave by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking 'Exit Group'. You can read our Privacy Notice here.
