Benefits

An artists impression of the West Yorkshire mass transit scheme.

Concerns of overly city-centered mass transit network
A reliable public transport network is not just about moving large masses of people around the region. The benefits of connecting people are social and economic...

Tankers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran

Food security 'held hostage by geopolitics' with Iran blockade

On Burnley Road works are being done by Calderdale Council, Northern Powergrid and Northern Gas Networks this month.

Gas Networks pension scheme winding up members urged to come forward

Councillor

Councillor gives up school transport contract after claims over SEND children

The programme will empower early creators and members across the UK to help grow the platform and build communities.

Ad Feature WeShop launches programme to empower creators in the UK

A customer uses a twenty pound sterling note and sterling coins to pay for goods inside a store. Easter bank holidays will shift some DWP and HMRC payment dates in April 2026 (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Millions to see Easter change to Universal Credit and pension payments

A new Crisis and Resilience Fund will replace the Household Support Fund from April 2026 (Photo: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Household Support Fund scrapped from April 2026 - all you need to know

A man handles a wad of £20 notes. Universal Credit payments are set to rise from April, affecting 8.3 million claimants (Photo: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

£750 Universal Credit payment hike coming - what the new rates mean

More than 75 percent of organisations are not practicing disaster recovery plans in the recommended six-month timeframe.

Ad Feature 3 in 4 organisations are not testing identity disaster recovery enough

Thousands of eligible households could still claim £200 or £300 through the Winter Fuel Payment

£300 Winter Fuel Payment still available – but you must apply soon

Thousands more households on disability benefits could get help with their water bills under expanded support rules (Photo: Pexels)

Thousands of Yorkshire families set to get £325 water bill help

Weather warnings this week for snow, rain, and strong winds could trigger further cold weather payments (Photo: Canva)

UK weather alerts raise chances of cold weather payments - claim yours

There are schemes in place to help families manage the extra costs this February half term (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Half term costs help for families – the financial support available

Ad Feature Leadership development for emerging professionals

Millions of households will see benefits rise from April 2026 after MPs approved new rates (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

1,000s to get £574 benefits rise in April – list of payments affected

The DWP has been given new legal powers to request information from banks and recover some overpayments

New DWP powers could let it check your bank - what you need to know

Wealthier retirees may not need the Winter Fuel Payment, raising an unusual question about whether to accept it (Photo: Pexels)

Some retirees are asking if they 'really' need the Winter Fuel Payment

Millions of households relying on benefits and the state pension face continued cost pressures in early 2026 (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

DWP benefits and state pension dates for February 2026 – full schedule

Several money changes this month could affect everyday spending and household bills (Photos: Getty Images/Pexels)

All of the key February 2026 money dates every household should know

Millions of UK households will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount every winter until 2030

Millions of UK families affected by big £150 winter benefits shake-up

Yorkshire Water will support 250,000 households with bill reductions, debt relief, and payment plans by April 2026 (Photo: Rui Vieira/PA Wire)

Yorkshire Water to help 250,000 households with bills – how to apply
Yorkshire Water is helping households with discounts, debt support, and payment plans 💧
Alex Nelson

January 28 is the cut-off for those expecting a Winter Fuel Payment but haven’t received it (Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Little-known DWP deadline could decide whether you get £300 or nothing

Mark Lee shares his expert insight

AI boom can start paying its way in Bradford

Universal Credit payments are set to rise from April 2026, with the standard allowance increasing (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Millions affected as Universal Credit payments change from April 2026

Pets in the home can increase heating costs, but thinking creatively about Winter Fuel Payment can make warmth and comfort go further (Photo: Pexels)

How to use your Winter Fuel Payment to keep pets warm this January

East Riding households have until February 27 to apply for a £250 cost of living payment available to low-income residents, even if they are not on benefits (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Yorkshire households urged to claim £250 support cash before deadline

Up to three-quarters of eligible UK pensioners are missing out on benefits with an average unclaimed amount of around £1,339 per year (Photo: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Thousands of UK pensioners miss out on over £1,300 - check eligibility

Blank Street Coffee on Albion Street in Leeds

I tried a new coffee shop which has people queuing around the block

Universal Credit payments are set to rise from April 2026, with the standard allowance increasing by about 6.2% (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Universal Credit pay rise confirmed for 2026 – what it means for you

A man shovels snow as an 'amber' snow warning was issued on January 2 in Scotland. Cold Weather Payments offer £25 support during prolonged periods of freezing weather (Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Cold Weather Payments explained during 2026's first major cold spell

Most benefits and state pensions are being paid as normal throughout January 2026 (Photos: Pexels/Getty Images)

DWP payment dates in January 2026, including Universal Credit changes

Recipients of the Winter Fuel Payment don’t have to spend it on fuel; it can go on warm clothing, blankets, or small treats (Photos: Getty Images)

What your Winter Fuel Payment could actually buy you in 2026
From groceries to blankets, your Winter Fuel Payment can stretch further than you think 💡
Alex Nelson

Our month-by-month guidance could help you plan, save, and avoid fines throughout the year (Photos: Pexels/Getty Images)

27 key money dates and changes in 2026 that could boost your wallet

A customer pays for goods inside a shop. Christmas bank holidays can change when benefit payments arrive, which can cause uncertainty (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

New Year bank holiday could change benefit payment dates – here’s how

A pedestrian carries a milk bottle across covered in snow streets. Winter fuel payments help people of State Pension age with heating costs and continue into 2026 (Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Winter fuel payments explained for 2026 as energy costs stay in focus

A customer pays for goods inside a shop. Christmas and New Year holidays can change the timing of benefit payments (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Boxing Day benefit payments will arrive early – check your Xmas date

A customer pays for goods inside a shop. Christmas bank holidays can change when benefit payments are made (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Christmas Day benefit payments will arrive early for millions of homes

A customer pays for goods inside a shop. Benefit payments due around Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s may arrive earlier this year (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

How Christmas Eve 2025 will affect benefit payments - what to expect

Benefit payments won't be missed over the New Year, but some are paid earlier due to bank holidays (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

DWP and HMRC benefit payment dates over New Year 2025

A customer pays for goods inside a shop. Christmas, Boxing Day, and the New Year can affect when benefits arrive, and the DWP and HMRC usually move payments to the last working day before a bank holiday (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images)

When you’ll get your DWP and HMRC benefit payments over Christmas 2025

Civic Office, Doncaster. LDRS photo

Solar farm recommended for approval

An elderly person looks at cash at home. Some pensioners are questioning whether the Winter Fuel Payment could work harder (Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Sharing your Winter Fuel Payment with a neighbour could save you money

A homeless person sleeping rough in a doorway. PIC: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Housing must remain a priority - YP Letters

Suppliers will now be charged based on when customers actually used that energy.

Ad Feature Business energy bills are changing: here’s how you can prepare

Terraced housing in York. Geography and housing can influence how far Winter Fuel Payment money goes. (Photo: English Heritage/Heritage Images/Getty Images)

How geography and the North-South divide affect Winter Fuel Payments

Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to speak to the media during a visit to a branch of Tesco. Reeves is expected to announce limits on salary sacrifice schemes in the upcoming Budget (Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Reeves' salary sacrifice 'raid' may shrink pensions and raise bills

The UK faces icy weather this week, with snow possible in northern areas (Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

You could be eligible for Cold Weather Payments as UK braces for snow

Fraudsters are sending fake texts and emails posing as the Government to steal bank details (Photo: Pexels)

Pensioners targeted with Winter Fuel help scam texts - what to do

Former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb has proposed a five-year minimum State Pension guarantee, even if a retiree dies early (Photo: Pexels)

New plan could guarantee 5 years of pension payments - even if you die

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers a speech in the media briefing room of 9 Downing Street on November 4, 2025. She has hinted that the two-child benefit cap could be scrapped in the 2025 Budget (Photo: WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Budget 2025: Chancellor Reeves hints at extra support for families

HMRC is reviewing the suspension of child benefit for around 23,500 parents wrongly flagged as having left the UK (Photo: Pexels)

23,500 hit by HMRC benefit suspension - how to get your money back

Around 830,000 pensioner households missed out on the Winter Fuel Payment last year after it was tied to Pension Credit (Photo: Pexels)

Thousands missed out on £300 heating help last year — do you qualify?

Charity Marie Curie is urging more councils to exempt terminally ill people from paying council tax

Thousands may soon stop paying council tax under new charity campaign

Christmas and New Year bank holidays can shift DWP and HMRC benefit payment dates (Photos: Getty Images/Pexels)

Your guide to early or adjusted benefit payments this Christmas

Pensioners will start receiving Winter Fuel Payments worth up to £300 from mid-November (Photo: Pexels)

Pension boost move keeps your Winter Fuel Payment safe from £35k+ tax

The Autumn Budget 2025 could bring changes to disability support, with Motability reforms under speculation (Photos: Pexels/Getty Images)

Autumn Budget could bring changes to PIP and disabled drivers scheme

Over 250,000 households in England and Wales are receiving letters confirming a £150 energy bill discount this week (Photo: Pexels)

£150 energy discount letters hitting doormats soon - how to claim

An elderly couple watches as members of the Afghan community and Londoners fly kites on Hampstead Heath. UK pensioners are set for a likely 4.8% state pension rise from April 2026 (Photo: CARLOS JASSO/AFP via Getty Images)

UK pensioners set to see £241 weekly from 2026 after 4.8% increase

UK inflation held steady at 3.8% in September, defying forecasts of a rise to 4% (Photos: Getty Images)

Food prices fall as inflation stays steady - what it means for you

A customer pays for goods at a market in east London. Millions on long-term benefits will receive a £10 Christmas Bonus from the DWP this December (Photo: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

DWP confirms who will get £10 Christmas Bonus this December

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