PIP Christmas payment dates
PIP is designed to help with extra living costs if you have a long-term mental or physical health condition or disability.
There are two parts to the benefit which means you can get paid different amounts depending on your circumstances.
The benefit is usually paid every four weeks, but if there’s a Bank Holiday you may receive it earlier.
If your payment date is on a weekend or Bank Holiday you’ll usually be paid one working day before.
That means if you are due to be paid on December 23, 24, 25 and 26 this year you will receive your payment on December 22 instead.
Meanwhile, if you are due to be paid on December 30, 31 or January 1 the cash will land in your account on December 29.
‘I’d urge people to check if they are eligible’
East Riding Council has now revealed that applications are now being accepted for The Household Support Fund.
Councillor Anne Handley, leader of the council, said: “Many families and others on low income in the East Riding are having an extremely tough time making ends meet during the cost of living crisis. As winter draws in with colder weather, and the Christmas season approaching, things can get harder for many families.
“We hope this money through the Household Support Fund will make a difference.
“These payments are available now to those in need and I’d urge people to check if they are eligible and apply online, as this money is there to help.”
Payment worth up to £350 available for anyone earning under £28k
The Household Support Fund, which first launched in 2021, helps Brits pay their way through a cost of living crisis.
Each council is allocated a certain amount of money to distribute to lower income families, often who make less than £50,000.
And East Riding Council has now revealed that applications are now being accepted – and will be open until Friday, January 26, 2024.
The payments are available to anybody in the East Riding who is eligible and who has not previously received a payment.
Those who are eligible will receive a payment of £350 within just 20 days.
Do I need a TV licence?
If you want to watch or record live TV then, yes, you need a licence.
This includes recording it live and watching it later.
Live TV includes all programmes on any channel, including soaps, series, documentaries and even movies.
In addition, the rules apply even if you don’t watch the shows on an actual TV – for example, if you watch programmes that are being broadcast live on a PC, laptop, tablet or phone.
A colour TV licence currently costs £159 a year. A licence for watching a black and white TV costs £53.50.
You’ll need to apply for a free licence on the TV licensing website or call 0300 790 6117.
How can I beat the loyalty penalty?
The simplest way to beat the loyalty penalty is by simply switching your mobile contract when it expires.
If you’re outside the minimum term of your contract then you won’t need to pay a cancellation fee – and you might be able to find a cheaper deal elsewhere.
If you’re still in your contract period, you might be charged an exit fee.
But don’t just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you’re currently paying.
Take a look at how many minutes and texts, as well as how much data you’re using, to find out which deal is best for you.
Use comparison websites, such as MoneySupermarket and Uswitch to compare the best tarrifs and phone prices.
If you’re happy with your provider then it might be worth using your research to haggle a better deal too.
Millions of Brits could be owed £1,823 compensation
Millions of Brits could be owed £1,823 in compensation from four major mobile firms over “rip-off” charges.
Those who’ve taken out contracts with Vodafone, EE, Three and O2 could be affected, according to a new class action lawsuit.
Consumer champion and former Citizens Advice executive, Justin Gutmann claims that millions of customers at these telecom firms have fallen victim to the “loyalty penalty”.
Mr Gutmann alleges the mobile operators have overcharged five million customers on up to 28.2million contracts since January 2007.
As a result, the class action is seeking damages of at least £3.285 billion.
If the compensation is distributed evenly, contract holders from the mobile network operators listed below are estimated to receive the following amounts:
- Vodafone – up to £1,823
- EE – up to £1,101
- Three – up to £1,817
- O2 – up to £1,178
