Latest news with #NINO
Sky News AU
27-07-2025
- Climate
- Sky News AU
Australia's incoming deluge: 'Strong odds' of significantly wetter than usual weather in the NT, Queensland as Pacific Ocean gives clues that La Nina could return
There are strong odds of Australia's late winter and spring months being wetter than usual - and significantly so in the NT and Queensland - with Pacific Ocean indicators pointing to a potential La Nina event in 2025. The year so far has been marked by rain and floods in the east and drought in the south, with wet weather now suddenly picking up in the drought-stricken southern growing regions that need it most. Now, this Sky News Weather climate analysis can reveal that many more rain-bearing systems are on the way. Indian Ocean Avid weather watchers will no doubt be aware that there is plenty of talk about a negative phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (-IOD) developing and aiding rainfall across Australia. The Indian Ocean lies to Australia's west. It is currently in a neutral state with the IOD sitting at -0.04C. This value needs to fall below -0.4C for at least eight consecutive weeks for these developments to be declared a -IOD event. It's still a long way off, but forecast models have been in strong agreement for some time that an event is a significant chance to take place. Its influence could be noticeable from as early as late August if it drops below the threshold in the coming weeks. Pacific Ocean The ocean to our east is the largest in the world – covering more than 30 per cent of the world's surface. Its size and proximity have contributed to its outsized influence on our weather. This mass expanse of water has played a significant role in helping the last five financial years exceed the nation's median rainfall. We had three back-to-back La Ninas, then an El Nino then a 'La Nina-like' pattern that was declared by Sky News Weather and US Government's climate organisation NOAA, but not by the Bureau of Meteorology. Right now, the official value of the Nino3.4 index is –0.14C. However, when comparing the temperatures in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to those through the rest of the world's tropics we can see that we are more clearly on the La Nina side of neutral. The Relative NINO index is therefore more appropriate to use in a changing climate – currently sitting closer to –0.4C. Forecast models have suddenly come into line agreeing that significant cooling of the central Pacific is likely. Between July and September, the median of nine leading models cools the NINO region by between 0.2C and 0.7C with an average of 0.45C. Therefore, there is a significant chance that the September value of the Relative NINO index will be close to -0.8C. This puts us on the border of a weak La Nina event. But like last year, even if it cools a bit further than that, the Bureau will probably say we are experiencing 'La Nina-like conditions' without declaring an event - as official thresholds are unlikely to be met. Rain odds increasing for most According to the average of the nine aforementioned models – including the Bureau's – there is between a 60 per cent and 90 per cent chance of above median rainfall across Australia from August to October. This is a notable increase on the previous forecast for the same period – indicating the growing confidence in the upcoming rainfall pattern. The odds are strongest in the NT and Queensland – meaning that parts of the dry season and 'build-up' months could be significantly wetter than usual – but this is still nothing compared to the wet season. Further south, rainfall should also be very handy in drought affected regions of SA, Victoria and possibly Tasmania and Western Australia – although their rain chances are not quite as high. Many farmers will remember the last time we had strong rain odds at this time of year. Rain gradually picked up through the winter of 2022 before the country saw its second wettest spring on record. Forbes experienced near-record flooding and the Murray had its biggest flood since 1956. Models are not quite as extreme in their forecasts this year as they were in the lead up to that event. However, similar rainfall patterns cannot be ruled out through the coming months as evidenced by this week's uptick in wet weather. Sydney and the NSW coastline could miss out Sydney and the NSW coast have been pretty wet this year. Historically the first half of the year is the wetter time of year in these areas. It's therefore unlikely that the second half of the year will be wetter than the first half. Further to that – a lot of the upcoming rainfall is expected to favour the NSW ranges and areas further west. Therefore, it seems likely that rainfall in Sydney and up and down the NSW coast should be somewhat closer to normal. Locals in those areas may not notice the drenching affecting much of the country. Watch Sky News Weather on the Sky News App or on Foxtel's Channel 601 for the latest forecasts and seasonal outlooks.
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Ex-DWP worker urges parents to claim Child Benefit even if they are not eligible
Sandra Wrench, who boasts 42 years' experience dealing with State Pensions and benefits, explained that there are three key reasons why parents should claim Child Benefit A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) worker with 42 years of experience in State Pensions and benefits is strongly advising all parents to claim Child Benefit. And she said they should do it even if they're not eligible for the payment part from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Sandra Wrench has highlighted three main reasons to claim Child Benefit. These are to increase National Insurance credits, ensure your child gets their National Insurance number, and to boost your State Pension, reports the Daily Record. Speaking to the Daily Record, she said: "With the introduction of the High Income Child Benefit Charge in January 2013, some parents whose earnings exceed the limit of £50-£60,000 have not bothered to submit a claim to Child Benefit after January 2013, as they are not entitled to the payment of Child Benefit. However, from April 2024 the earnings limit increased to £60,000 - £80,000." She went on to say: "If your earnings exceed, it is essential that you still claim Child Benefit, but opt out of the payment. By opting out of the payment of Child Benefit, you do not then have any problem with HMRC chasing you for any overpayments. HMRC not only wants the Child Benefit repaid, but can also fine you." She added: "By opting out of the payment, this saves you having to complete any Tax Self Assessment, as regards child benefit." Parents can opt out of receiving Child Benefit payments by ticking a box in section 4 on the Child Benefit claim form. Key reasons to claim Child Benefit Sandra explained that there are three reasons for claiming Child Benefit, even if you opt out of the payment. National Insurance Credits You are entitled to NI (National Insurance) credits until the child reaches age 12. You get one credit for each week you have claimed child benefit, so 52 credits for a complete tax year gives you a qualifying year towards your State Pension. If you then have another child, your NI credits continue until the second child is 12. If your child was 12 in February, you would get NI Credits until the child was 12 in February. If you had not returned to work when your child was 12, so you had a part qualifying year from April to February, you could make it a qualifying year by paying Voluntary Class 3 contributions. So check your NI record on a regular basis, for any part qualifying years as well - you can do this on here or call HMRC NI helpline on 0300 200 3500. National Insurance Number Sandra explained: 'You need to make a claim to Child Benefit for your child to be automatically issued with a National Insurance Number (NINO) at age 16. If you do not register for Child Benefit, your child will not automatically receive a NINO at age 16, but will have to apply for a NINO." When you register a child with Child Benefit Centre, the child is allocated a NINO at that stage, which is then issued to the child at age 16. Specified Adult Child Care Credits If you return to work when your child is still under 12, and you pay NI contributions because you are working, you do not need the NI Child Benefit Credits. So if a family member, under State Pension Age (SPA), such as a grandmother or grandfather, is looking after the child under 12 while the parent is at work, the parent can pass the NI Child Benefit credits to that other family member. The credits can then be used by this other family member towards their own State Pension, if they have given up work. These NI Credits are then known as Specified Adult Child Care Credits, and you apply for them through HMRC. HMRC will not award the credits to this other family member without first checking that the parent has a qualifying year from working. You can only apply for these credits if the parent has claimed child benefit. More information on Specified Adult Child Care Credits can be found on here. NI Credits for Child Benefit If a claim for Child Benefit is made late, the claim can only be backdated three months, which means that NI Credits for Child Benefit can only be backdated three months as well. Sandra explained how this has resulted in some women losing out on the NI Credits for Child Benefit which would count towards their State Pension. This was reviewed by the UK Government in April 2023, and NI Credits can now be backdated to the birth of the child, so if you have missed out on these NI Credits, you will be able to claim these credits from April 2026. NINOs issued to 16 year olds, and change of address Sandra said: 'Please ensure you notify HMRC/ Child Benefit of any change of address as the NINO will be sent to your 16 year old at your last known address. 'With parents opting out of the payment of Child Benefit due to the High Income CB Charge, it is essential that parents notify the Child Benefit Centre of any change of address, so the NINO for their child is sent to the correct address. If a parent is not in receipt of Child Benefit, it becomes easy for a change of address to be overlooked and not notified to the relevant department. Child Benefit rates 2025/26 The new rates started on April 7: Eldest or only child - £26.05 a week Additional children - £17.25 a week per child Child Benefit is payable until the child is 16, or up to age 20 if the child is staying in approved education or training. Sandra warned: 'Do not confuse the actual payment of Child Benefit with NI Credits for Child Benefit - the payment of Child Benefit you get for the child up to the age of 16, the CB NI Credits are only available until the child reaches the age of 12. Full details on Child Benefit can be found on here. You can also contact the Child Benefit helpline is 0300 200 3100.
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments
Sandra Wrench shares three crucial reasons parents should not ignore Child Benefit. A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee with 42 years' experience dealing with State Pensions and benefits, is urging all parents to claim Child Benefit - even if they do not qualify for the payment element of the benefit delivered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Sandra Wrench explains three key reasons for claiming Child Benefit, which include boosting National Insurance credits, National Insurance number allocation for your child, and topping up your State Pension. The ex-DWP employee told the Daily Record: 'With the introduction of the High Income Child Benefit Charge in January 2013, some parents whose earnings exceed the limit of £50-£60,000 have not bothered to submit a claim to Child Benefit after January 2013, as they are not entitled to the payment of Child Benefit. However, from April 2024 the earnings limit increased to £60,000 - £80,000.' Sandra continued: 'If your earnings exceed, it is essential that you still claim Child Benefit, but opt out of the payment. By opting out of the payment of Child Benefit, you do not then have any problem with HMRC chasing you for any overpayments. HMRC not only wants the Child Benefit repaid, but can also fine you. 'By opting out of the payment, this saves you having to complete any Tax Self Assessment, as regards child benefit.' To opt out of the payment of child benefit, there is a box on the Child benefit claim form in section 4 which you can tick. Key reasons to claim Child Benefit Sandra explained that there are three reasons for claiming Child Benefit, even if you opt out of the payment. National Insurance Credits You are entitled to NI (National Insurance) credits until the child reaches age 12. You get one credit for each week you have claimed child benefit, so 52 credits for a complete tax year gives you a qualifying year towards your State Pension. If you then have another child, your NI credits continue until the second child is 12. If your child was 12 in February, you would get NI Credits until the child was 12 in February. If you had not returned to work when your child was 12, so you had a part qualifying year from April to February, you could make it a qualifying year by paying Voluntary Class 3 contributions. So check your NI record on a regular basis, for any part qualifying years as well - you can do this on here or call HMRC NI helpline on 0300 200 3500. National Insurance Number Sandra explained: 'You need to make a claim to Child Benefit for your child to be automatically issued with a National Insurance Number (NINO) at age 16. If you do not register for Child Benefit, your child will not automatically receive a NINO at age 16, but will have to apply for a NINO. When you register a child with Child Benefit Centre, the child is allocated a NINO at that stage, which is then issued to the child at age 16. Specified Adult Child Care Credits If you return to work when your child is still under 12, and you pay NI contributions because you are working, you do not need the NI Child Benefit Credits. So if a family member, under State Pension Age (SPA), such as a grandmother or grandfather, is looking after the child under 12 while the parent is at work, the parent can pass the NI Child Benefit credits to that other family member. The credits can then be used by this other family member towards their own State Pension, if they have given up work. These NI Credits are then known as Specified Adult Child Care Credits, and you apply for them through HMRC. HMRC will not award the credits to this other family member without first checking that the parent has a qualifying year from working. You can only apply for these credits if the parent has claimed child benefit. Backdating Child Benefit Child Benefit can only be backdated three months, so you need to submit a claim to Child Benefit within three months of the birth of your child. NI Credits for Child Benefit If a claim for Child Benefit is made late, the claim can only be backdated three months, which means that NI Credits for Child Benefit can only be backdated three months as well. Sandra explained how this has resulted in some women losing out on the NI Credits for Child Benefit which would count towards their State Pension. This was reviewed by the UK Government in April 2023, and NI Credits can now be backdated to the birth of the child, so if you have missed out on these NI Credits, you will be able to claim these credits from April 2026. NINOs issued to 16 year olds, and change of address Sandra said: 'Please ensure you notify HMRC/ Child Benefit of any change of address as the NINO will be sent to your 16 year old at your last known address. 'With parents opting out of the payment of Child Benefit due to the High Income CB Charge, it is essential that parents notify the Child Benefit Centre of any change of address, so the NINO for their child is sent to the correct address. If a parent is not in receipt of Child Benefit, it becomes easy for a change of address to be overlooked and not notified to the relevant department. Child Benefit rates 2025/26 The new rates started on April 7: Eldest or only child - £26.05 a week Additional children - £17.25 a week per child Child Benefit is payable until the child is 16, or up to age 20 if the child is staying in approved education or training. Sandra warned: 'Do not confuse the actual payment of Child Benefit with NI Credits for Child Benefit - the payment of Child Benefit you get for the child up to the age of 16, the CB NI Credits are only available until the child reaches the age of 12. Full details on Child Benefit can be found on here. You can also contact the Child Benefit helpline is 0300 200 3100.
Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
HMRC benefit claim all parents urged to make as ex-DWP worker issues advice
Parents have been told to claim Child Benefit - even if they're not eligible to receive it - as there are a number of benefits that come with it A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employee, with 42 years of experience in dealing with State Pensions and benefits, has issued a warning to all parents. She emphasises the importance of claiming Child Benefit for everyone with a child, even if you're not eligible for the cash part from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Sandra Wrench, who spent her career navigating the intricacies of pensions and benefits, has outlined three reasons why parents should claim Child Benefit. These include securing National Insurance credits, ensuring your child gets their National Insurance number and enhancing your own State Pension. In an interview with the Daily Record, the former DWP specialist said: "With the introduction of the High Income Child Benefit Charge in January 2013, some parents whose earnings exceed the limit of £50-£60,000 have not bothered to submit a claim to Child Benefit after January 2013, as they are not entitled to the payment of Child Benefit. However, from April 2024 the earnings limit increased to £60,000 - £80,000." She further advised: "If your earnings exceed, it is essential that you still claim Child Benefit, but opt out of the payment. By opting out of the payment of Child Benefit, you do not then have any problem with HMRC chasing you for any overpayments. HMRC not only wants the Child Benefit repaid, but can also fine you." She explained that by opting out of the payment, this saves you having to complete any Tax Self Assessment regarding child benefit. For those who want to avoid the payment but still enjoy the associated benefits, Sandra highlights a straightforward option on the Child Benefit claim form – a box in section 4 that can be ticked to opt out, as reported by the Daily Record. Sandra listed three main reasons for claiming Child Benefit, even if you decide to opt out of the payment. National Insurance Credits Firstly, National Insurance Credits. You're entitled to these credits until your child turns 12. For each week you claim child benefit, you receive one credit. So, a full tax year of claiming equals 52 credits, which goes towards your State Pension. National Insurance Number Sandra said: "You need to make a claim to Child Benefit for your child to be automatically issued with a National Insurance Number (NINO) at age 16. If you do not register for Child Benefit, your child will not automatically receive a NINO at age 16, but will have to apply for a NINO. "When you register a child with Child Benefit Centre, the child is allocated a NINO at that stage, which is then issued to the child at age 16." Specified Adult Child Care Credits If you go back to work while your child is still under 12, and you're paying NI contributions because of your job, you won't need the NI Child Benefit Credits. So, if a family member who's not yet at State Pension Age (SPA), like a grandparent, is caring for the child under 12 while you're at work, you can transfer the NI Child Benefit credits to them. These credits can then be used by this other family member towards their own State Pension, if they've stopped working. These NI Credits are then referred to as Specified Adult Child Care Credits, and you apply for them through HMRC. HMRC won't give the credits to this other family member without first confirming that the parent has a qualifying year from working. You can only apply for these credits if the parent has claimed child benefit. More details on Specified Adult Child Care Credits can be found on Child Benefit Backdating Child Benefit can only be backdated for three months, so you need to put in a claim to Child Benefit within three months of your child being born. If a claim for Child Benefit is submitted late, it can only be backdated for three months, which means that NI Credits for Child Benefit can also only be backdated for three months. Sandra highlighted how this has led to some women missing out on the NI Credits for Child Benefit, which contribute towards their State Pension. The UK Government reviewed this in April 2023, and NI Credits can now be backdated to the child's birth. So, if you've missed these NI Credits, you'll be able to claim them from April 2026. NINOs issued for 16 year olds and change of address On the topic of National Insurance Numbers (NINOs) issued to 16 year olds and changes of address, Sandra advised: "Please ensure you notify HMRC/ Child Benefit of any change of address as the NINO will be sent to your 16 year old at your last known address,". She added: "With parents opting out of the payment of Child Benefit due to the High Income CB Charge, it is essential that parents notify the Child Benefit Centre of any change of address, so the NINO for their child is sent to the correct address. If a parent is not in receipt of Child Benefit, it becomes easy for a change of address to be overlooked and not notified to the relevant department." New Child Benefit Rates New child benefit rates, they have been in effect since April 7, 2025, and are applicable until the child turns 16, or 20 if they continue in approved education or training. Sandra warned: "Do not confuse the actual payment of Child Benefit with NI Credits for Child Benefit - the payment of Child Benefit you get for the child up to the age of 16, the CB NI Credits are only available until the child reaches the age of 12."
Business Mayor
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
DWP Child Benefit alert as ex-DWP employee urges all parents to claim
Parents have been told to put a claim in for Child Benefit (Image: Maskot via Getty Images) A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staffer with 42 years of experience in handling State Pensions and benefits has issued an alert to all parents. She says it is vital for everyone with a child to claim Child Benefit, even if you're not eligible for the cash part from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Sandra Wrench, who dedicated her career to navigating the complexities of pensions and benefits, has laid out three compelling reasons why parents should stake their claim on Child Benefit. These include securing National Insurance credits, ensuring your child receives their National Insurance number, and boosting your own State Pension. Speaking to the Daily Record, the ex-DWP expert revealed: 'With the introduction of the High Income Child Benefit Charge in January 2013, some parents whose earnings exceed the limit of £50-£60,000 have not bothered to submit a claim to Child Benefit after January 2013, as they are not entitled to the payment of Child Benefit. However, from April 2024 the earnings limit increased to £60,000 – £80,000.' She went on to advise: 'If your earnings exceed, it is essential that you still claim Child Benefit, but opt out of the payment. By opting out of the payment of Child Benefit, you do not then have any problem with HMRC chasing you for any overpayments. HMRC not only wants the Child Benefit repaid, but can also fine you.' She added: 'By opting out of the payment, this saves you having to complete any Tax Self Assessment, as regards child benefit.' Read More Are you a champion stockpicker? For those looking to sidestep the payment while still reaping the associated benefits, Sandra points out that there's a simple option available right on the Child Benefit claim form – a box in section 4 that you can tick to opt out, reports the Daily Record. Sandra outlined three key reasons for claiming Child Benefit, even if you choose to opt out of the payment. National Insurance Credits Firstly, National Insurance Credits. You are entitled to these credits until your child reaches 12 years of age. For each week you claim child benefit, you receive one credit. Therefore, a full tax year of claiming equates to 52 credits, which contributes towards your State Pension. Sandra Wrench shares three crucial reasons parents should not ignore Child Benefit. (Image: Getty Images) Sandra said: 'You need to make a claim to Child Benefit for your child to be automatically issued with a National Insurance Number (NINO) at age 16. If you do not register for Child Benefit, your child will not automatically receive a NINO at age 16, but will have to apply for a NINO. 'When you register a child with Child Benefit Centre, the child is allocated a NINO at that stage, which is then issued to the child at age 16.' Specified Adult Child Care Credits If you return to work when your child is still under 12, and you pay NI contributions because you are working, you do not need the NI Child Benefit Credits. So if a family member, under State Pension Age (SPA), such as a grandmother or grandfather, is looking after the child under 12 while the parent is at work, the parent can pass the NI Child Benefit credits to that other family member. The credits can then be used by this other family member towards their own State Pension, if they have given up NI Credits are then known as Specified Adult Child Care Credits, and you apply for them through HMRC. HMRC will not award the credits to this other family member without first checking that the parent has a qualifying year from can only apply for these credits if the parent has claimed child information on Specified Adult Child Care Credits can be found on Backdating Child Benefit Child Benefit can only be backdated three months, so you need to submit a claim to Child Benefit within three months of the birth of your child. There are multiple benefits to making a claim (Image: Flashpop via Getty Images) NI Credits for Child Benefit If a claim for Child Benefit is made late, the claim can only be backdated three months, which means that NI Credits for Child Benefit can only be backdated three months as well. Sandra explained how this has resulted in some women losing out on the NI Credits for Child Benefit which would count towards their State Pension. This was reviewed by the UK Government in April 2023, and NI Credits can now be backdated to the birth of the child, so if you have missed out on these NI Credits, you will be able to claim these credits from April 2026.
