Latest news with #SUSANNAHIRELAND
Extra.ie
4 days ago
- Business
- Extra.ie
Snack attack! Walkers crisps adds first new flavours in decades
For the first time in decades, Walkers has given the nation's crisp aisles a serious shake-up — and it's not just another 'limited edition' gimmick. In a move no one saw coming, the snack giant has quietly slipped two bold new flavours into its permanent line-up, catching shoppers off guard and sparking a wave of curious taste-testing. Say hello to Sticky Teriyaki and Masala Chicken: the unexpected duo ready to spice up your lunchtime sandwich and potentially start a few debates about which one's best. For the first time in decades, Walkers has given the nation's crisp aisles a serious shake-up — and it's not just another 'limited edition' gimmick. Pic: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images Describing the new flavours, the crisp-maker said: 'With a balance between sweet and tangy, the new Sticky Teriyaki flavour is sure to hit your senses with an array of tastes inspired by flavours from Japan.' 'Packing a punch of flavour, the new Masala Chicken provides a rich and spicy taste and with Tikka Masala being a firm favourite dish in the UK, the new crisps give you a bite sized flavour you can enjoy on the go.' Both flavours are available from 11 August in the UK, with the company stating that it has been working on the flavours for around a year, in a six-step process that saw 63 different flavour submissions analysed. In a move no one saw coming, the snack giant has quietly slipped two bold new flavours into its permanent line-up, catching shoppers off guard and sparking a wave of curious taste-testing. Pic:The new introductions mark the first time in decades that the brands core offering has changed. Classic flavours Ready Salted, Cheese & Onion and Salt & Vinegar were first introduced in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Other classics like Prawn Cocktail, Roast Chicken and Smoky Bacon were brought about around the 1970s. While different iterations may have appeared in limited edition collections, both of the new flavours are brand new formulations, developed and tested over the course of the past 12 months. Wayne Newton, senior marketing director at Walkers said: 'Our development team has been on a mission for the past year to find two new flavours that meet the highest standards. After thousands of crisps crunched, flavours tested, and bags rustled, we're pleased to bring something entirely new to the table with Sticky Teriyaki and Masala Chicken.'
.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26auto%3Dwebp%26quality%3D75%26crop%3D3%3A2%2Csmart%26trim%3D&w=3840&q=100)
Scotsman
05-08-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
All the one-off benefit payments due before the end of the year
You can unlock extra cash from the government before 2025 ends if you're struggling with rising costs 💡 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... You could receive over £1,500 in one-off payments from the government before the end of 2025 Support includes help with heating bills, such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount, and Cold Weather Payments Seasonal extras like the £10 Christmas Bonus are also available to people on certain benefits Funeral Expenses Payments of up to £1,000 are available for bereaved individuals on low incomes Some payments are automatic, but others require you to apply As living costs remain high and many households continue to feel the financial pinch, it's more important than ever to understand what extra government support might be available. While there are no new cost-of-living payments scheduled for 2025, a number of one-off benefit payments are still on the table. In fact, between now and December, you could receive more than £1,500. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From help with heating bills to seasonal bonuses and support for those facing bereavement, these payments could offer valuable financial relief Some are paid automatically if you're on the right benefits, while others require a formal application — and crucially, some come with strict deadlines. If you're expecting extra support before 31 December 2025, here are the key one‑off payments still scheduled or claimable this year (as of August 4, 2025). (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Winter Fuel Payment The Winter Fuel Payment helps older people with heating costs in winter. If you were born before 22 September 1959, you are entitled to receive between £100 and £300, depending on your age and living situation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One of the current Labour government's biggest controversies came when it announced the once universal Winter Fuel Payment would be made available only to those claiming Pension Credit. But this has since been reversed, and in 2025–26, eligibility has been restored for all pensioners, not just Pension Credit claimants. Most recipients will receive their payments automatically in November or December 2025, with letters sent in October or November detailing the amount and payment method. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Christmas Bonus The Christmas Bonus is a one-off, tax-free £10 payment made to those who receive certain benefits during the first full week of December. In 2025, this week is from December 1 to 5. You do not need to apply for this payment, as it will be paid automatically into the same account you receive your usual benefit payments. But be aware that the payment may arrive on a different date than the usual benefit payment. Warm Home Discount The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 discount applied to eligible individuals' electricity bills. In 2025, the scheme will reopen in October. If you're eligible, you'll receive the discount automatically if you receive certain means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Those in Scotland may need to apply through their energy supplier to receive the discount, once applications open in October 2025. The discount is typically applied between October and March, either as a credit on your electricity bill or as a voucher if you use a prepayment meter. Cold Weather Payment The Cold Weather Payment provides £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. To qualify, you must be receiving certain income-related benefits and live in an affected area during a cold spell - that is to say, one that experiences an average temperature of 0°C or below for seven consecutive days. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Payments are made automatically, up to three times a winter, and are paid into the same bank or building society account where your qualifying benefit payments are delivered. Funeral Expenses Payment If you are responsible for funeral costs and receive qualifying means-tested benefits, you may claim a Funeral Expenses Payment to cover reasonable funeral expenses, up to a maximum of £1,000 depending on circumstances. Unlike the other payments, this requires an application, which you must submit within six months of the funeral date. You can apply by phone or post using form SF200, and payment is made either to you or directly to the funeral director if costs are unpaid. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26auto%3Dwebp%26quality%3D75%26crop%3D3%3A2%2Csmart%26trim%3D&w=3840&q=100)
Scotsman
05-08-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
All the one-off benefit payments due before the end of the year
You can unlock extra cash from the government before 2025 ends if you're struggling with rising costs 💡 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... You could receive over £1,500 in one-off payments from the government before the end of 2025 Support includes help with heating bills, such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount, and Cold Weather Payments Seasonal extras like the £10 Christmas Bonus are also available to people on certain benefits Funeral Expenses Payments of up to £1,000 are available for bereaved individuals on low incomes Some payments are automatic, but others require you to apply As living costs remain high and many households continue to feel the financial pinch, it's more important than ever to understand what extra government support might be available. While there are no new cost-of-living payments scheduled for 2025, a number of one-off benefit payments are still on the table. In fact, between now and December, you could receive more than £1,500. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From help with heating bills to seasonal bonuses and support for those facing bereavement, these payments could offer valuable financial relief Some are paid automatically if you're on the right benefits, while others require a formal application — and crucially, some come with strict deadlines. If you're expecting extra support before 31 December 2025, here are the key one‑off payments still scheduled or claimable this year (as of August 4, 2025). (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Winter Fuel Payment The Winter Fuel Payment helps older people with heating costs in winter. If you were born before 22 September 1959, you are entitled to receive between £100 and £300, depending on your age and living situation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One of the current Labour government's biggest controversies came when it announced the once universal Winter Fuel Payment would be made available only to those claiming Pension Credit. But this has since been reversed, and in 2025–26, eligibility has been restored for all pensioners, not just Pension Credit claimants. Most recipients will receive their payments automatically in November or December 2025, with letters sent in October or November detailing the amount and payment method. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Christmas Bonus The Christmas Bonus is a one-off, tax-free £10 payment made to those who receive certain benefits during the first full week of December. In 2025, this week is from December 1 to 5. You do not need to apply for this payment, as it will be paid automatically into the same account you receive your usual benefit payments. But be aware that the payment may arrive on a different date than the usual benefit payment. Warm Home Discount The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 discount applied to eligible individuals' electricity bills. In 2025, the scheme will reopen in October. If you're eligible, you'll receive the discount automatically if you receive certain means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Those in Scotland may need to apply through their energy supplier to receive the discount, once applications open in October 2025. The discount is typically applied between October and March, either as a credit on your electricity bill or as a voucher if you use a prepayment meter. Cold Weather Payment The Cold Weather Payment provides £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. To qualify, you must be receiving certain income-related benefits and live in an affected area during a cold spell - that is to say, one that experiences an average temperature of 0°C or below for seven consecutive days. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Payments are made automatically, up to three times a winter, and are paid into the same bank or building society account where your qualifying benefit payments are delivered. Funeral Expenses Payment If you are responsible for funeral costs and receive qualifying means-tested benefits, you may claim a Funeral Expenses Payment to cover reasonable funeral expenses, up to a maximum of £1,000 depending on circumstances. Unlike the other payments, this requires an application, which you must submit within six months of the funeral date. You can apply by phone or post using form SF200, and payment is made either to you or directly to the funeral director if costs are unpaid. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Scotsman
30-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Free Nationwide tool finds which benefits you can claim
This simple tool could show you're missing out on free support if you're struggling with rising costs 🧾 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Over 15,000 people have used Nationwide's new benefits checker since its June 26 launch The free tool is open to everyone, not just Nationwide customers It offers a quick eligibility check followed by a full calculator for detailed results Many miss out on benefits without realising – this tool helps bridge that gap Access is available via Nationwide's website, app, or a dedicated phone line Thousands of people are using a new service from Nationwide Building Society designed to help them check whether they're missing out on benefits they're entitled to – and it's open to everyone, not just customers. Launched on June 26, the free benefits calculator has already attracted more than 15,000 users in its first month, with more than 4,000 going on to complete the full check. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The tool, developed in partnership with analytics firm Policy in Practice, is part of a growing movement to help people better understand the support available to them during the ongoing cost of living crisis. It provides a personalised estimate of what you could be claiming – and where you might be missing out. Millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed every year, often because people don't realise they're eligible. This service aims to bridge that gap. (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of customer vulnerability and accessibility, said: 'By offering the choice of an online process and a telephone call, we are hopefully making what can be a daunting and confusing experience that little bit simpler.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whether you're on a low income, have children, are in part-time work, or simply want to make sure you're not missing out, the calculator could be a useful first step. How it works Nationwide's service offers two steps. The process begins with the quick check, which takes just a few minutes and gives a rough idea of whether you might qualify for benefits such as Universal Credit, Council Tax support or Pension Credit. If it looks like you could be eligible, you can then move on to the more comprehensive calculator, which will ask for extra details like your income, housing situation and family set-up to give a fuller picture. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Who should check? Many people assume they don't qualify for support, but benefits often extend beyond those who are unemployed. Those in low-paid work, carers, people with health issues or disabilities, and pensioners are frequently eligible for help without realising it. You might benefit from using the tool if: You're struggling with rising costs You've had a change in circumstances (job loss, relationship breakdown, new child, etc.) You're caring for someone You're not sure if you qualify for help like Universal Credit, Council Tax support or Pension Credit Even if you've checked before, it's worth reviewing your eligibility again as rules and thresholds change. How to access the tool You can access the tool in several ways: Via Nationwide's website Through the building society's mobile app Or by calling its dedicated helpline (standard call rates apply, but a free callback can be requested) Crucially, you don't need to be a Nationwide customer to use the service. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
30-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Free Nationwide tool finds which benefits you can claim
This simple tool could show you're missing out on free support if you're struggling with rising costs 🧾 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Over 15,000 people have used Nationwide's new benefits checker since its June 26 launch The free tool is open to everyone, not just Nationwide customers It offers a quick eligibility check followed by a full calculator for detailed results Many miss out on benefits without realising – this tool helps bridge that gap Access is available via Nationwide's website, app, or a dedicated phone line Thousands of people are using a new service from Nationwide Building Society designed to help them check whether they're missing out on benefits they're entitled to – and it's open to everyone, not just customers. Launched on June 26, the free benefits calculator has already attracted more than 15,000 users in its first month, with more than 4,000 going on to complete the full check. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The tool, developed in partnership with analytics firm Policy in Practice, is part of a growing movement to help people better understand the support available to them during the ongoing cost of living crisis. It provides a personalised estimate of what you could be claiming – and where you might be missing out. Millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed every year, often because people don't realise they're eligible. This service aims to bridge that gap. (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of customer vulnerability and accessibility, said: 'By offering the choice of an online process and a telephone call, we are hopefully making what can be a daunting and confusing experience that little bit simpler.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whether you're on a low income, have children, are in part-time work, or simply want to make sure you're not missing out, the calculator could be a useful first step. How it works Nationwide's service offers two steps. The process begins with the quick check, which takes just a few minutes and gives a rough idea of whether you might qualify for benefits such as Universal Credit, Council Tax support or Pension Credit. If it looks like you could be eligible, you can then move on to the more comprehensive calculator, which will ask for extra details like your income, housing situation and family set-up to give a fuller picture. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Who should check? Many people assume they don't qualify for support, but benefits often extend beyond those who are unemployed. Those in low-paid work, carers, people with health issues or disabilities, and pensioners are frequently eligible for help without realising it. You might benefit from using the tool if: You're struggling with rising costs You've had a change in circumstances (job loss, relationship breakdown, new child, etc.) You're caring for someone You're not sure if you qualify for help like Universal Credit, Council Tax support or Pension Credit Even if you've checked before, it's worth reviewing your eligibility again as rules and thresholds change. How to access the tool You can access the tool in several ways: Via Nationwide's website Through the building society's mobile app Or by calling its dedicated helpline (standard call rates apply, but a free callback can be requested) Crucially, you don't need to be a Nationwide customer to use the service. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
