Benefits
Coronavirus Universal Credit & Benefits
If you're suddenly unable to work due to the coronavirus crisis, or you've been laid off, this guide looks at what benefits you can claim, what you're entitled to under universal credit plus tells you how to make a claim.
1 August 2021
Martin Lewis explains the financial help you can get if you've been 'pinged' and told to self-isolate by the Covid app or NHS Test & Trace
Over 600,000 people in England and Wales were 'pinged' and told to self-isolate by the NHS Covid-19 app between 8 and 14 July, new figures show. If you're one of them, there's a range of financial support you could get.
22 July 2021
Campaigners call for action to fix 'absurd' universal credit flaws stopping vulnerable people getting help managing benefits
Campaigners have called on the Government to fix "absurd flaws" with the benefits system that prevent vulnerable people from getting help from family and friends to manage their Universal Credit accounts. Without this help, campaigners warn claimants ultimately risk losing their benefits.
26 May 2021
More than 85,000 universal credit claimants could see payments rise from today after rule change
More than 85,000 universal credit claimants could see an increase to their payments from today after a Government rule change came into force
16 November 2020
Scottish parents can now apply for a £250 grant for school-age children
Applications are now open for a new £250 payment for low-income families in Scotland, which is paid when your child is old enough to start school
10 June 2019
Over £10 billion of benefits left unclaimed
Government figures released today show that up to an estimated £10.1 billion of pension credit, housing benefit and income support were left unclaimed in a single year
15 November 2018
Budget 2018: What you need to know, incl changes to tax, benefits, Premium Bonds & more
Read our full round-up of the Chancellor Philip Hammond's 2018 Budget
30 October 2018
Government trials online personal independence payment appeals - check if you're eligible
Claimants of the personal independence payment will be able to submit appeals online as part of a Government trial
29 May 2018
70,000 ESA claimants to be repaid £1,000s
About 70,000 people on employment and support allowance could be in line to receive up to £20,000 each
21 March 2018
Universal credit delays causing rent arrears to 'drop off a cliff', MPs warned
MPs have been warned that delays in benefit payments under universal credit are pushing more people into debt
14 September 2017
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15 September 2021
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SIX banks now pay you to switch
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30 Amazon hacks
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Martin's energy warning
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PCR tests to be scrapped for fully vaccinated travellers returning to England in October
17 September 2021![]()
Fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test before they depart for England from 4 October. In addition, they'll only need to take a cheaper lateral flow test on arrival to England from later next month under an overhaul to the 'traffic light' travel system. Eight destinations will also come off the red list from 22 September. -
Coronavirus Travel Rights
17 September 2021![]()
The coronavirus outbreak is causing major travel disruption around the globe -
Latest coronavirus 'traffic light' travel update due this week
16 September 2021![]()
The next update of the coronavirus 'traffic light' travel system, used to govern the action holidaymakers take when they return to the UK from overseas, is due to take place this week. This will provide the latest information on which destinations will feature on the Government's 'green', 'amber' and 'red' travel lists. -
Teletext Holidays to pay out £7m in outstanding refunds - here's how to make a claim
16 September 2021![]()
Teletext Holidays and its sister company Alpharooms have agreed to refund £7 million to thousands of customers still waiting to get their money back after their package holidays were cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis. Here's how to make a claim. -
'I'm self-employed but confused about whether I can claim the fifth grant' – Unsure? Here's what you need to know
16 September 2021![]()
100s of self-employed people are confused about what constitutes being “adversely affected” by coronavirus, we have some helpful scenarios to work out where you stand, as well as HMRC’s guidance.
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Is it time to ban Christmas presents?
14 September 2021![]()
Update September 2017: It’s eight years since I first braved this subject, expecting a snowstorm of protest. Instead, year after year more join in, like Julia who recently tweeted me, “@MartinSLewis, finally took your advice and told my family I can’t afford Christmas presents. What a weight off my mind. Thank you.” One year even the Archbishop of... -
Martin Lewis: Why you shouldn't worry too much about your credit score – it’s not actually a real thing
14 June 2021![]()
When it comes to finances, numbers are key – whether it's what you earn, your credit card balance or the interest rate on your mortgage, small changes can add up to a big difference. Yet there's one number you shouldn't pay too much attention to – your credit score.
Clever ways to calculate your finances
