Unlock Free or Discounted TV Licences: A Complete Guide for Eligible Individuals

Watching TV can be one of life’s simple pleasures, but did you know you might be entitled to a free or discounted TV licence? Whether you’re over 75, registered blind, or living in residential care, there are options to reduce or eliminate the cost of your TV licence. Here’s everything you need to know. Free Continue reading

How Can You Avoid CPP and OAS Clawback in 2025?

If you’re receiving CPP Canada Pension Plan benefits, you may wonder whether you’ll eventually face the Old Age Security (OAS) clawback. The OAS clawback is a reduction of $0.15 for every dollar of income you earn above $90,977 (as of 2024). Once your income reaches $149,000, your OAS payments are fully clawed back, leaving you Continue reading

Canada New Mortgage Refinance Rules Under Secondary Suite Program 2025

The Canadian government is taking decisive steps to address the housing crisis by transforming underused spaces into homes and empowering homeowners to increase housing density. With a housing plan aimed at building 4 million homes by 2031, the federal government has announced significant measures to unlock vacant lands, retrofit underused federal properties, and support secondary Continue reading

12 Social Welfare Changes in Ireland for 2025 You Need to Know

Ireland is ushering in a new wave of social welfare, tax, and cost-of-living reforms in 2025 as part of Budget 2025. These changes, set to take effect from January 1, 2025, aim to address rising costs, support low-income families, and incentivize energy efficiency. From enhanced child benefits to reduced taxes, these updates will impact thousands Continue reading

Should You Top Up Your State Pension? A Guide to Maximizing Benefits for a Secure Retirement

As you approach or enjoy retirement, ensuring you get the full state pension you’re entitled to can make a significant difference in your financial well-being. If you discover shortfalls in your National Insurance (NI) record, you may have the option to top up your contributions. However, with substantial costs and tight deadlines, it’s crucial to Continue reading

State Pension Age Compensation Plan: DWP Responds to WASPI Petition

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a response to an online petition by the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, which demands compensation for women born in the 1950s who were affected by changes to the State Pension age. The petition has garnered more than 132,000 signatures, crossing the threshold to Continue reading

New Rules for Disability Benefit Assessments 2025 Could Bring up Some Big Changes Aims to Save £3 Billion

As Rachel Reeves prepares Labour’s upcoming Budget, significant changes to disability benefit assessments are on the horizon. The Treasury reportedly seeks to cut £3 billion from the welfare bill, with reforms to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) central to these plans. While advocates call for meaningful reforms, critics warn of the devastating impact these changes Continue reading

DWP Christmas Bonus Payment December 2024 Provide Extra Support During the Festive Season

Thousands of benefit claimants across the UK are set to receive the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Christmas bonus, a small £10 payment intended to provide extra support during the festive season. However, campaigners argue the payment—unchanged since its introduction in 1972—has failed to keep pace with modern financial realities, leaving vulnerable groups in Continue reading

Key December 2024 Benefit and Pension Updates: What You Need to Know as PIP and DLA Payments Increase

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to grip millions across the UK, December brings crucial updates for benefit and pension recipients, including payment dates, increased support measures, and essential financial assistance programs. Here’s everything you need to know about this month’s changes and the support available to help households during these challenging times. December Benefit and Continue reading

Carer’s Allowance Overpayment Debt Soars to £250m: What This Means for Unpaid Carers

Outstanding overpayment debt for Carer’s Allowance surged to £250 million last year, a rise of £100 million since 2018/19, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). This sharp increase has highlighted the challenges within the system, with many unpaid carers now facing financial hardship as they are forced to repay thousands of pounds in overpaid Continue reading