Council tax rises
Nearly all local authorities in England and Wales will hike the tax by the maximum amount in April.
Of the 136 authorities which have already announced their council tax proposals for the coming year, 128 (94%) are looking to increase bills in April by 4.99%.
This is the largest amount allowed by the government without having to hold a local referendum.
At the same time last year 75% of councils intended to impose the maximum rise, according to the County Councils Network (CCN), which released the figures.
The 5% rise equates to £103.25 extra a year for the typical Band D property, which is currently £2,065.
When will broadband bills rise?
Millions of broadband, mobile and TV customers will be hit by huge bill hikes this month.
This is because telecom providers usually raise the prices of their contracts in the Spring.
Providers usually increase their prices annually based on the rate of inflation plus up to 3.9% more.
December’s CPI figure (4%) or January’s RPI figure (4.9%) are used by many mobile and broadband companies to hike prices.
The increases will come into effect for millions of customers from today.
This means the new rate will kick in from your next bill.
Child Benefit limits raised
The Government is upping the threshold from which parents have to start paying back Child Benefit from £50,000 to £60,000.
Meanwhile, the upper threshold from which parents have to pay back all of their Child Benefit is rising from £60,000 to £80,000.
It means for those where one partner is earning between £50,000 and £60,000, you will be able to receive more Child Benefit.
Meanwhile, those earning £60,000 to £80,000 will now receive some Child Benefit whereas currently they don’t.
Laura added: “The catch is that the benefit is based on both parents’ income – meaning if either of you earns more than the thresholds you’ll lose entitlement to the benefit.
“Families also need to claim the Child Benefit, they won’t automatically receive it.”
Could you get free prescriptions?
If you are 60 or above, you can claim free prescriptions from your local pharmacy.
Prescriptions usually cost £9.65 each in England, so this can amount to some large savings over a year.
This benefit is automatic and there’s no need to apply.
If you’re 60 or over you’re also entitled to a free NHS sight test, so you should let your optician know when you reach 60 if you haven’t already.
Eye tests can usually cost between £20 and £30.
Free memberships and activities with PIP
Those who claim PIP can often get discounts on days out and memberships.
From the cinema, theatre, galleries and even travel, several companies offer the discount.
Disability charity Scope has a useful page on some of the discounts you can get.
How do you log in to Universal Credit?
Universal Credit claimants can see their online account by logging in via the gov.uk website.
You’ll need your username and password – which are the same ones you had to set up when you first applied for benefits.
If you have forgotten your login details, you can put in a request to reset your username or password by entering your email address.
If you have an online Universal Credit account, you can also sign in via gov.uk verify.
In a worse case scenario, you can always try calling the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 (Textphone: 0800 328 1344).
You can also get in contact via NGT text relay on 18001 then 0800 328 5644.
There’s a Welsh language helpline available on 0800 328 1744 too.
