Latest inflation figures, extending Child Benefit payments and Pension Credit eligibility
As summer draws to a close we discuss the latest inflation figures, how to extend your Child Benefit payments if your child decides to remain in education following the collection of their GCSE results, and how to check if you are eligible for Pension Credit.
Inflation increases to 2.2% in July
The Office of National Statistics has reported that inflation for July has risen to 2.2%. This is the first rise of 2024 after inflation fell during the early part of the year and then settled at 2% for May and June.
A rise was expected because energy prices are now falling by less than they were doing a year ago.
This means that inflation has now gone back above the Bank of England’s target. However, the Bank themselves expected this, and many economic forecasters are predicting that inflation will stay above 2% for the rest of the year.
Encouragingly, inflation for services dropped from 5.7% to 5.2% in July. This was a larger drop than expected and is primarily due to a fall in inflation on restaurant and hotel pricing. It seems this may be due to the temporary effect on pricing brought about by Taylor Swift’s concerts, as well as increases to cover the minimum wage uplifts now levelling off.
The increase suggests that there is still pressure on prices and so business owners need to continue careful budgeting of costs as well as reviewing pricing to ensure profit margins.
See: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/consumerpriceinflation/latest
Extending Child Benefit payments: What you need to know
Now that GCSE results day has been and gone, many families are considering the next steps for their school-leaving children. If your child plans to continue in approved education or training, it’s important to extend your Child Benefit claim before 31 August to avoid missing out on financial support.
When can you extend your Child Benefit?
Child Benefit can continue if your child, aged 16 to 19, is enrolled in full-time non-advanced education or approved unpaid training.
This includes:
- Non-Advanced Education:
- A levels or Scottish Highers;
- International Baccalaureate;
- T levels;
- NVQs up to level 3; and
- Home education, if started before the child turned 16, or after 16 with a special educational needs statement assessed by the local authority.
- Approved Unpaid Training:
- In Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships, or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme;
- In Northern Ireland: PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success, or Skills for Life and Work; and
- In Scotland: the No One Left Behind programme.
If your child will be continuing their education via one of these routes, then you can extend your Child Benefit payments.
When Can’t You Extend Child Benefit?
You cannot extend Child Benefit if your child is entering full-time employment, starting an apprenticeship that’s part of a job contract, or enrolling in a course not classified as non-advanced education.
How to Extend Your Child Benefit Payments
To extend your claim, you need to inform HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by 31 August 2024.
Fortunately, the process is quite simple and can be done online via GOV.UK or the HMRC app. You’ll need a Government Gateway user ID and password, which you can easily set up if you don’t have one already. Have your National Insurance number or postcode, and two forms of ID ready to register.
So far, more than 270,000 parents have successfully extended their claim digitally. This method updates your records immediately and saves you the hassle of waiting on the phone.
If you are unable to handle the claim online, then you can still contact HMRC by post or phone.
Don’t miss out
Child Benefit can be a significant financial help, offering up to £1,331 annually for the first or only child, and £881 for each additional child. Missing the deadline means your payments will stop.
Even if you’ve opted out of receiving payments due to the High Income Child Benefit Charge, it’s essential to keep your claim details up to date. You can opt back in quickly if your circumstances change.
What if your child changes their mind?
If your child decides not to continue with their education or training, you can easily inform HMRC online or via the app. Your Child Benefit payments will be adjusted accordingly. You can also check your claim status, view payment details, and manage your claim through the app or online portal.
Act Now
With the 31 August deadline fast approaching, don’t delay in extending your Child Benefit claim.
If you need any help with your claim, please feel free to get in touch with us. We would be happy to help you!
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/extend-child-benefit-for-your-teen-by-31-august
Don’t miss out on Winter Fuel Payments: Check your eligibility for Pension Credit
Many pensioners were dismayed to learn that Winter Fuel Payments are now being restricted to those who are on benefits and Pension Credit. The Winter Fuel Payment is a key benefit to help with increased heating costs during winter that was previously paid to all pensioners. However, with recent changes, the payment is now means-tested and linked to eligibility for Pension Credit.
It could be though that you are eligible for Pension Credit but are not currently claiming. Here’s what you need to know to make sure you don’t miss out.
Check your eligibility for Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a vital financial lifeline for many pensioners, especially those on a low income.
While around 1.4 million pensioners already claim this benefit, it’s estimated that up to 880,000 eligible households have yet to apply.
If your weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple, you could be eligible for Pension Credit, which is worth an average of £3,900 a year.
Claiming Pension Credit not only boosts your income but also unlocks additional financial help, such as reduced housing costs, council tax reductions, and the Winter Fuel Payment.
The importance of claiming before the deadline
To receive this year’s Winter Fuel Payment, you need to be eligible for Pension Credit during the qualifying week from 16 to 22 September 2024.
To ensure you don’t miss out, you must apply for Pension Credit by 21 December 2024. This allows for your claim to be backdated, covering the qualifying week and securing your entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment.
The government is actively encouraging pensioners to check their eligibility and apply as soon as possible. During September, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be running a Pension Credit Week of Action, teaming up with local authorities and charities to raise awareness and tackle misconceptions that might prevent people from applying.
Don’t let common myths stop you
Many pensioners mistakenly believe that having savings, a private pension, or owning a home disqualifies them from receiving Pension Credit. This is not necessarily the case. The DWP’s online Pension Credit calculator can help you determine how much you could receive based on your individual circumstances.
How to apply for Pension Credit
Applying for Pension Credit can be done in several ways:
- Online: Visit the Pension Credit page on GOV.UK and use the online application form.
- By Phone: Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm).
- By Post: Download and complete a paper application form from the GOV.UK website.
When you apply, you’ll be asked if you want to backdate your claim to cover the three months prior to your application date, ensuring you meet the qualifying period for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Act now to secure your benefits
With winter not too far away, it’s important to check your eligibility and apply for Pension Credit as soon as possible. This not only secures your entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment but also ensures you receive the financial support you deserve. If you or a loved one could benefit from Pension Credit, don’t delay—take action today.
If you would like any help in checking your eligibility for Pension Credit or making a claim, please give us a call. We would be happy to help you!