Latest news with #CREDIT
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Race Across the World stars Sioned and Fin share relationship update after almost calling it quits
Race Across the World stars Sioned and Fin share relationship update after almost calling it quits The winners of this year's Race Across the World were announced last week, with mother-and-son duo Caroline and Tom Bridge taking home the £20,000 prize Last week, viewers of Race Across the World were gripped as the finale revealed this year's winning team. Although they didn't start strong, Caroline and Tom Bridge turned their fates around, ultimately seizing the £20,000 jackpot. Hot on their heels, only 19 minutes later, were siblings Elizabeth and Letitia, with the pair Sioned and Fin coming next, and brothers Brian and Melvyn coming in fourth. Audiences have been witness to all the pairs being pushed to their limits throughout the races, with Sioned and Fin, the youngest duo, finding aspects of the journey particularly difficult. In the upcoming reunion show, the Welsh couple will share updates on their relationship and recount their experiences from the race, reports Plymouth Live. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Race Across the World's Fin and Sioned share relationship update as they detail 'challenge' (Image: BBC ) Sioned explained to viewers of the BBC: "I think there were many times in India where I thought, 'I can't do this, I need to go home, not want to but I need to because this is too much'." But she expressed her relief, saying, "But, I'm really glad I just stuck it out because experiencing it has been really valuable." Article continues below During a discussion with fellow racers, the now 20-year-old shared how the challenge had fostered personal growth. She said: "It's built us as people. It's tough doing something like this in a relationship, but I do think it made us stronger." Fin responded: "It was a good way to see if we can do it forever, or this isn't for us, let's split up. But that wasn't the case, we are still together, and we're going well. I think that was a big challenge and the best challenge we could've had together." While Sioned and Fin may not have triumphed in the series, viewers were happy to see the mother-son duo take the win. TITLE:Race Across the World S5,EP NUMBER:8,TX DATE:11-06-2025,TX WEEK:23,EMBARGOED UNTIL:11-06-2025 22:01:01,PEOPLE:Tom and Caroline,DESCRIPTION:Embargoed until post TX8 22.01:01 Wednesday 11th June 2025.,COPYRIGHT:Studio Lambert,CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert Caroline expressed her joy about the victory: "It feels absolutely amazing, I'm so sad it's come to the end, that is the worst bit about it. We've enjoyed being with everybody, but my God, this race has meant so much. Article continues below "We've learnt so much, we've enjoyed it, and to actually win it as well as to have the experience is the best thing that could have happened to us." Tom said of the experience: "Doing the experience in itself is winning, but to actually get to that book first, open it, and see that it was empty was something that I'll remember for the rest of my life."
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Simple tool reveals exact date thousands of Universal Credit will see big payments boost in weeks
Scroll down to find out how much the different elements of Universal Credit have risen by BENEFITS BOOST Simple tool reveals exact date thousands of Universal Credit will see big payments boost in weeks A SIMPLE tool reveals the exact date thousands on Universal Credit will receive a pay rise. Benefit payments rose by 1.7% on April 7 in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) level of inflation for September 2024. This is common governmental practice and ensures people's benefit amounts keep up with the cost of living. However, while the new rates are already in effect, some on Universal Credit will have to wait longer until they receive new bumper amounts. This is because the benefit is assessed based on your circumstances each month, known as an "assessment period", but paid in arrears. This means payments you receive each month are based on your circumstances in your previous assessment period. The new Universal Credit rates came into effect after the first full one-month assessment period, which started on or after April 7. For those whose assessment periods started after April 7, their payments rose as early as May 13. However, anyone whose assessment period started before this date could be waiting until June 12 to get the new higher rate. Check out our searchable table above which reveals when you will get the higher rate based on your assessment period. NEW UNIVERSAL CREDIT RATES Here is a full list of the new benefit rates for 2025-26 to give you a steer as to what you should expect to be paid. Universal Credit standard allowance (monthly) Single, under 25: £316.98 (up from £311.68) Single, 25 or over: £400.14 (up from £393.45) Joint claimants both under 25: £497.55 (up from £489.23) Joint claimants, one or both 25+: £628.10 (up from £617.60) Three key benefits that YOU could be missing out on, and one even gives you a free TV Licence Extra amounts for children First child (born before April 6, 2017): £339 (up from £333.33) Child born after April 6, 2017 or subsequent children: £292.81 (up from £287.92) Disabled child (lower rate): £158.76 (up from £156.11) Disabled child (higher rate): £495.87 (up from £487.58) Extra for limited capability for work Limited capability: £158.76 (up from £156.11) Work-related activity: £423.27 (up from £416.19) Carer's element Caring for a severely disabled person at least 35 hours a week: £201.68 (up from £198.31) Work allowance increases Higher work allowance (no housing): £684 (up from £673) Lower work allowance (with housing): £411 (up from £404) OTHER UNIVERSAL CREDIT NEWS Councils across England have started dishing out help after receiving funding through the Household Support Fund (HSF). And some are distributing support to those on benefits including Universal Credit. Middlesbrough Council has started issuing payments worth up to £120 to those in need. Meanwhile, households in Reading are in line to receive £125 vouchers in the coming weeks if they receive free school meals, which are paid to families on benefits including Universal Credit. Each council in England decides who is eligible for a portion of funding individually. However, in most cases you'll qualify for help if you're struggling to cover essential bills like energy and food. Some local authorities are giving out help to those on benefits like Universal Credit, while others are assessing people's eligibility purely based on income and not factoring in benefits. Contact your council to find out what help is on offer. You can find what council area you fall under by visiting Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
I'm on Universal Credit & it's tough surviving – I even lost £600 due my husband deciding to get a job, it's impossible
WITH the cost of living crisis squeezing everyone's finances, one mum is questioning how long it will take to see progress in her own situation. Melissa Kerrighen, 29, who has a five-year-old daughter, is on Universal Credit but is struggling to make ends meet. Advertisement 3 Melissa Kerrighen would previously be left with nothing in the bank each month Credit: Supplied Universal Credit is a welfare scheme that replaces six other benefits with a single monthly payment for those who are out of work or on a low income. Melissa, who works as a sewing machinist making saddles, is now resorting to different money-saving methods in an effort to stay afloat. Taking to her TikTok page ' She is currently budgeting £50 for the month and explained that before she started keeping track of her spending, she would end up with no money left in her account by the month's end. Advertisement READ MORE ON UNIVERSAL CREDIT 'I was paying the minimum amount on my credit card, which was slowly going down because half of the payment I made would be eaten up by interest,' she explains. Melissa would only manage to save around £40 a month. She continues: 'With life at the minute, and with bills constantly going up, it's always one thing after the other, isn't it? 'Trying to manage your finances on a low income is hard. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous 'It's not just hard on a financial level, it's hard mentally. 'And all those odd spends throughout the month that you just don't seem to notice.' I'm a mum-of-2 on UC & fed up with people calling me a scrounger - yes I've got a £1.5k pram, I can have nice things too This is why Melissa has started tracking her spending, recognising that 'no one else was going to change' her financial situation. In March, Melissa lost £600 a month from Universal Credit after her partner, a workshop manager, started a full-time job. Advertisement She says: 'That isn't easy to absorb. But even though I'm on a part-time wage, I still have the same amount of bills to pay. It doesn't change, does it?' Melissa goes on to ask: 'If you're on Universal Credit, are you managing to make ends meet right now?' She revealed that on day 13 of her budgeting, she had £21.99 left in the pot for the rest of the month. 3 Melissa lives with her partner and five-year-old daughter Credit: tiktok/@islaandmeadventure Advertisement 3 The mum makes not of her spending on a daily basis Credit: tiktok/@islaandmeadventure Her video gained 4,820 views, with many people commenting to share their thoughts and experiences, some in similar situations. One wrote: 'My partner works and we claim UC (Universal Credit). [We're] struggling atm, it's because food and bills are so expensive.' A second added: 'I'm disabled and on UC, have to say I'm struggling. Advertisement 'I'm really trying to manage my finances but every time I think I know what's happening, something major happens.' Whilst a third said: 'I'm really struggling and food is so expensive these days.' And a fourth shared: 'My partner works and I claim UC. 'It's really hard, especially this year as the kids are going on a school trip and we booked a summer holiday. I wish we hadn't as I can't physically save any more.' Advertisement Everything you need to know about Universal Credit What is Universal Credit? Everything you need to know including how to apply Universal Credit calculator: How much can I claim and how do I apply? Universal Credit login: How do I sign in to my online account? How much can I earn before Universal Credit is reduced and do I get a work allowance? What is a Universal Credit advance payment? How to apply and pay it back Are Universal Credit payments going up and how much more will I get? How to claim Universal Credit if you're self-employed How many hours can I work on Universal Credit and will my payment be reduced? What is a Universal Credit budgeting advance and how much could I get? What is the Universal Credit housing element and how much of your rent does it pay?
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Over a million families on Universal Credit to get £420 boost TOMORROW – check if you get the benefit
UNIVERSAL Credit claimants will get a £420 increase in benefits payments from tomorrow as changes are introduced. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a change to the Fair Repayment Rate to come into effect April 30. 2 It is set to cap the amount that can be deducted from an individual's benefits payments each month to pay housing costs, short-term loans and debts. Currently, ongoing rent costs and arrears are processed and deducted automatically by the DWP's system through the existing Alternative Payment Arrangement. It covers a range of payments from benefit advances, historical over-payments of child tax credits, rent, council tax, as well as outstanding water and utility bills. The money is taken out of a claimant's Universal Credit standard allowance without notice each month, until the debt is fully repaid. However, a court ruling earlier in the year deemed the practice unlawful as many impacted were struggling, which came on top of the government's cuts to the winter fuel allowance. By dropping the Fair Repayment Rate from 25 per cent to 15 per cent, around 1.2 million households among the poorest around the UK are expected to benefit. A boost of around £35 a month or up to £420 a year could be claimed by households, including 700,000 with children. How will the cut work in practice? THE Universal Credit standard allowance is paid at four different rates: Single and aged under 25: £316.98 per month Single and aged 25 or over: £400.14 per month Joint claimants both aged under 25: £497.55 per month Joint claimants where one is aged 25 or over: £628.10 Therefore, if an individual under 25 faces a 25% deduction, their standard allowance will decrease by £79.25 per month, reducing their payment to £237.73 per month. However, if the same individual faces a 15% deduction, their standard allowance will decrease by £47.55 per month (£31.70 less than a 25% deduction), reducing their payment to £269.43 per month. Universal Credit deductions of over 25 per cent will remain if they are related to fraud penalties or sanctions. TYPES OF UNIVERSAL CREDIT DEDUCTIONS There are a number of reasons money is deducted from Universal Credit allowances by the DWP to help pay of debts. Five key changes to PIP & Universal Credit as Labour's benefits crackdown unveiled Benefits expert at Turn2us, Conor Lawlord, said: "These debts can accrue in several ways, including for Universal Credit and other benefit overpayments (even if the overpayment was made in error by DWP), benefit advances and recovering hardship payments. "The DWP can also deduct on behalf of third parties if a claimant is in debt to them, including for rent and service charge arrears, council tax arrears, court fines, child maintenance, and for utilities like electricity, gas and water." Not every deduction is compulsory, however, with some voluntary. There are six main forms of deductions: 1. ADVANCE PAYMENTS Some Universal Credit claimants may apply for an advance payment when first signing up. This is due to the delay in payment after starting a claim and being assessed for Universal Credit, known as the "five-week wait". The first payment usually comes a week after the end of your first assessment, but those in particularly financial hardship cannot afford to wait this long. Individuals struggling to pay for rent or food are therefore given an advance loan, which is expected to be paid back either within 24 months for a new claim, of six months in the case of a changing in circumstances. 2. BUDGET ADVANCE The Budget Advance is an interest-free loan that can be used to cover certain expenses for things like household furniture, equipment and clothing. The smallest amount that can be borrowed is £100, which changes dependent on circumstances and how much you need. You can get up to: £348 if you're single £464 if you're part of a couple £812 if you have children Repayments for budget loans are taken automatically from benefits, and the amount you repay is based on income. They should normally be repaid within a year, but is extendable by 18 months in exceptional circumstances. 3. UNIVERSAL CREDIT OVERPAYMENTS Overpayments accrue if you have been paid more Universal Credit than entitled to. They generally have to repaid, even if the overpayment was not your fault. Repayments are typically deducted at a maximum rate of 15 per cent from the monthly standard allowance if not receiving earned income. The maximum rate that can be deducted from Universal Credit for overpayments with some earned income is 25 per cent. 4. TAX CREDIT OVERPAYMENTS HMRC will be told to stop tax credits if you claim Universal Credit. Therefore, if you receive tax credits after having made a Universal Credit claim, you would be overpaid in tax credits. Any tax credit over-payments will subsequently be taken out of Universal Credit payments. 5. FRAUD AND SANCTIONS Deliberately not providing details about a change in circumstances for Universal Credit payments or giving false information is considered fraud. A fraud penalty or sanction will reduce your Universal Credit standard allowance. This can be up to 100 per cent of your standard allowance if you are single, or up to 50 per cent for each person in a joint claim. If a fraud penalty or sanction is being taken from your Universal Credit payments, no other repayment or deduction will be taken, except for last-resort deductions. 6. THIRD-PARTY DEDUCTIONS A third-party deduction is an amount taken from Universal Credit allowance and paid directly to a person or organisation who you owe money to. They can be taken without permission, to pay for things like housing costs, unpaid rates, or child maintenance, as well as to landlords or electricity suppliers. Only three third-party dedcations can be taken at a time. They are fixed at five per cent of the Universal Credit standard allowance. Rent deductions are fixed between 10 and 20 per cent. How to 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 You can also find information about Debt Management Plans (DMP) and Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVA) by visiting or Speak to one of these organisations - don't be tempted to use a claims management firm. They say they can write off lots of your debt in return for a large upfront fee. But there are other options where you don't need to pay. 2
Cision Canada
29-04-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
EY Canada welcomes new cohort of Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs to its business accelerator program Français
17 leaders set to drive sustainable growth through the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network TORONTO and TRADITIONAL TERRITORIES OF THE MISSISSAUGAS OF THE CREDIT, THE ANISHNABEG, THE CHIPPEWA, THE HAUDENOSAUNEE AND THE WENDAT PEOPLES, April 29, 2025 /CNW/ - EY Canada is thrilled to announce the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network 2025 cohort. This year, 17 visionary Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs representing 15 innovative companies have been selected to participate in a comprehensive year-long program designed to help scale their businesses and bridge the disparity gap in the Canadian business landscape. "In the face of unprecedented economic shifts, entrepreneurs are often a driving force behind our country's growth," says Myriam Gafarou, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network Program Co-Director. "We're honoured to support leaders who showcase the incredible diversity and vibrant spirit of Canada's business community." The Canadian entrepreneurs are: "Our 2025 program cohort is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada," shares Christopher Gordon, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network Program Co-Director. "From retail and consulting to engineering and wellness, each participant in this year's program brings a unique perspective and approach to their industry, and we're excited to support their journeys toward growth and success." The EY Entrepreneurs Access Network provides a unique platform for participants to engage in personalized coaching, networking opportunities and monthly learning sessions tailored to their needs. By connecting entrepreneurs with seasoned EY Relationship Ambassadors, the program aims to empower them to overcome barriers and unlock their full potential. "The EY Entrepreneurs Access Network is more than just a program, it's a commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem," says Daniel Baer, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network Program Co-Director. "By investing in these entrepreneurs' growth, we're not only helping them succeed, but also shaping a confident future for all voices." As the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network continues to grow over the years, it remains an integral part of EY's broader mission to support entrepreneurship in Canada. The program complements the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women ™ and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year ® programs in empowering the next generation of business leaders. Learn more about the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network. The program's national sponsor is BDC. EY Entrepreneurs Access Network The EY Entrepreneurs Access Network in Canada is a program designed to support Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs. It aims to address the disparity gap by combining a curated, one-year educational curriculum for business owners of Black and Indigenous controlled private, for-profit organizations, with coaching and networking opportunities. Participants are paired with an EY Relationship Ambassador for dedicated coaching to help guide them through their growth journey. About EY EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. All in to shape the future with confidence. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)
