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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent alert to anyone with a National Insurance number, warning that scammers are trying numerous tactics to obtain personal details and commit identity theft.
This week, many pensioners have begun receiving their Winter Fuel Payments. The support, provided to help older people cope with rising energy costs, will be distributed throughout November and December to millions of people aged over 65.
During Wednesday’s Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £15 billion boost to welfare spending and confirmed the removal of the two-child benefit cap. This means higher payments for people claiming Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Child Benefit.
Starting Monday, eligible claimants will also receive extra support through the annual Christmas Bonus — a tax-free £10 payment issued to people on certain qualifying benefits ahead of the festive season.
Additionally, the Government is set to revisit hundreds of thousands of cases involving unpaid carers. A major review uncovered longstanding confusion and errors in Carer’s Allowance assessments, which left many carers burdened with large debts, severe financial strain and, in some cases, criminal convictions. Their cases will now be reopened for correction.
