UP to twelve benefits will be paid early this week; here is how you can check your new payment date.

Universal Credit, State Pension and PIP will all land in claimants bank accounts sooner than usual.

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Benefits will paid earlier this week[/caption]

This is because of the upcoming Good Friday and Easter Monday bank holidays, which take place on April 18 and April 21.

There is not a set date for when all recipients of Universal Credit and other benefits receive their cash.

Your usual payment date depends on when you first signed up to claim the support and when it was approved.

Those who were due to be paid on Good Friday or the following bank holiday Monday will be now paid on Thursday 17.

A total of 12 benefits will be paid ahead of the spring holiday; you can check them out below:

• Attendance allowance
• Carer’s allowance
• Child benefit
• Disability living allowance
• Employment and support allowance
• Income support
• Jobseeker’s allowance
• Pension credit
• Personal independence payment
• State pension
• Tax credits (such as Working Tax Credit)

The payment lands in your bank account earlier than usual so you are not left without cash over the period.

Even though you have been paid earlier, you will have to make the money last until the following month.

If you are due to be paid and have not received your support, you should contact the DWP.

You can call their helpline on 0800 328 5644.

Except for bank holidays, Universal Credit is always paid on the same day each month.

Typically, most people get their payment around a full week after they first applied.

It comes as millions saw their benefits increase this April, as the rate was increased to keep in line with inflation.

For a single person aged 25 and over, the standard allowance has risen from £393.45 to £400.14.

Meanwhile, for joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over, the standard allowance has risen from £617.60 to £628.09.

BENEFIT SHAKE UP

If you claim benefits you should be aware of a number of changes to the system.

Last month, the government said it would mere job seekers allowance and employment allowance in a move which will see those who have worked get more cash.

Officials also announced new eligibility criteria for those claiming PIP.

To receive the £105 per week support, claimants must achieve a minimum score of four points in at least one of the daily living activities evaluated during the assessment to be eligible.

Currently, it is possible to qualify for the daily living component with a lower overall score spread across multiple activities.

The new changes are expected to come into effect next year.

IF you’re thinking about giving your home a glow-up this year then you might want to take note.

Interior designers have revealed that vintage retro aesthetics is set to take our homes by storm in 2025.

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Experts have shared the best colour combos to go for to create an ’80s vibe[/caption]

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They said it’s all about bold design choices in 2025[/caption]

Not only that, but they found that 80s living rooms are set to be the next big thing as more and more homeowners look to decorate their spaces with timeless classic designs from the popular decade.

So in a bid to help, Michael Rolland, interior expert and Managing Director at The Paint Shed, shared his top tips for DIYers to get the look in their own homes.

He revealed the best colour combinations, shades and design choices for those who want to bring this 80s vision to life.

But Michael warns that there is a key colour that homeowners should avoid if they want to create an authentic 80s vibe.

1. Yellows are your best friend — but avoid ‘banana’

Yellow is often attributed to 80s interiors, so adding the bright summer colour is an easy way to jump back a few decades.

However, Michael says that bold, brash banana shades are the kind of yellow that shouldn’t make a comeback in 2025.

He says: “80s interiors are often attributed with yellow shades, and luckily there are some beautiful, vintage-feel shades on the market.

“However, instead of bright, brash banana shades, which can often feel a little gimmicky, try out cooler-toned yellows or yellows with a brown or orange undertone.

“Shades that come to mind are Farrow and Ball’s ‘Farrow’s Cream’ and Little Greene’s ‘Linen Wash’.

“These create a perfect, more neutral base to complement other bold tones used in furniture and accent pieces.”

2. Explore orange

Another colour that homeowners should embrace is orange.

Not only is it a recurring colour theme in both original ’80s interiors and 80s-inspired homes, but it is also set to be a popular choice for 2025.

It’s the perfect colour to incorporate into the living room because it evokes feelings of warmth, happiness, and energy, creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.

It’s also a versatile colour that can be used in various styles, from bright and cheerful to more muted and earthy.

Michael explains: “Pops of orange can enhance the retro feel.

“Use this as an opportunity to be creative.

“Instead of buying new accent pieces, consider painting the ones you already have.

“Try a quality furniture paint like Benjamin Moore’s Scuff X on a lifeless coffee table, for example.

“Once drenched in orange shade, it will fit right into its new role as an 80s capsule.”

3. Embrace wood panelling

It’s not just bold colours that were popular in the 80s – bold design choices were also common in most homes.

And Michael explains that wooden panelling can be a great design choice to enhance the vintage feel of a home.

He said: “When I think of an 80s living room, I picture wooden features — shiny wood panelling on walls, long TV sets, you name it.

“So, it’s important to incorporate these wood elements into your space.

“Waxy wood panelling is a great option.

“I’d personally recommend keeping it as an accent wall feature while maintaining a cohesive colour scheme throughout the house.

“Exploring bold architectural designs like these can add an exciting ‘blast from the past’ complexity to a modern home.”

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While yellow is a go-to colour, Michael warns people to avoid ‘banana’[/caption]

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Adding touches of wood and orange also makes a big difference[/caption]

NETFLIX is reportedly experimenting with a new AI-powered feature that finds TV shows and movies for you – even based on your mood.

The brainy new trick is said to be currently in testing on real Netflix users to see if it works.

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Netflix is reportedly experimenting with a new AI-powered search feature[/caption]

It’s a common problem on Netflix: not being able to find something to watch.

Even though the service is packed with thousands of hours of telly, narrowing down one option can take ages – and maybe even cause trouble at home.

To fix this, Netflix is trialling a new AI search feature powered by OpenAI (the creator of ChatGPT), according to Bloomberg.

It said that the new search feature will surface TV shows and movies using “far more specific terms – including the subscriber’s mood”.

Netflix already uses AI tech to make recommendations based on what you’ve been viewing.

But this goes a step further, letting you search in a very detailed way, which reportedly goes “well beyond genres or actor’s names”.

It’s an opt-in feature, which means you have to actively agree to be involved in the trial.

The feature is currently being tested in Australia and New Zealand, where there are millions of active Netflix subscriptions.

However, it’s unclear how many of those users are currently enrolled in the trial.

It’s currently available only on iOS devices, which means Apple iPhones.

According to the report, Netflix is plotting an expansion of the experiment to other countries “soon”.

Sadly the list of countries set to get the trial in the next stage hasn’t been confirmed.

QUICK FLIX?

It’s also possible that the feature could be killed off before it ever becomes part of the general Netflix release globally.

But Netflix will be looking for ways to serve up better content recommendations – especially after recent price hikes.

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Netflix has an enormous content library that can be hard to pick from[/caption]

Netflix currently scans your viewing history to see what you’ve watched – and then works out what else you might be interested in.

This involves using powerful algorithms to try to get you to keep watching TV shows and movies on the app.

You can very easily check your entire Netflix viewing history.

Just go to the Netflix website and click on your profile, then choose Account.

Now go to Manage Profiles, click on your own profile, then choose Viewing Activity.

You’ll then be able to see an enormous log of your viewing history going right back to the very first show that you watched.

If you click on the Cancel icon, you can remove a show from your viewing history, which means that it won’t be used to inform Netflix viewing recommendations.

That’s handy if someone else has been at your house watching rubbish movies on your TV.

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It’s especially hard to pick a Netflix show in a big household where everyone has their own preference[/caption]

You can also click on Rating at the top to see how you’ve reviewed content on the past.

Netflix also uses these ratings to work out what to recommend to you in the future, so make sure you’ve marked TV shows and movies up correctly.

And try to rate more telly in the future, as it means that you’ll get even better recommendations.

The Sun has asked Netflix for comment and will update this story with any response.

NEARLY half of Brits experience financial FOMO – as they worry they are not keeping up with their friends when it comes to their money habits.

A study of 2,000 adults revealed despite 81% believing they are good with money, 44% still regularly compare their financial decisions to those of friends, with 23% adding others are managing their money more effectively.

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A new study has revealed nearly half of Brits suffered from financial FOMO[/caption]

The smart money moves most likely to trigger this feeling are when others commit to saving regularly (30%), realising friends had started investing early in life (26%) and seeing friends make full use of loyalty points and reap the rewards, with perks like free flight upgrades (23%).

Some felt financial FOMO when they learned their friends had invested in crypto (23%) or were earning a second income with a side hustle (22%).

Others had a wake up call when they realised their friends were taking advantage of cash incentives offered by banks to new customers (20%), making financial goals (19%) and even setting and sticking to a budget (18%).

Seeing friends make the most of their full annual ISA allowance has also made some recognise they could be making their money work harder for them (16%).

As a result, 29% admit to feeling left behind when it comes to financial planning and saving.

Despite these worries, only three in 10 (31%) feel comfortable discussing their smart financial habits with friends.

More than a third (38%) avoid the conversation altogether for fear of “showing off”, while 23% lack the confidence to talk about money at all.

Brian Byrnes, head of personal finance at savings and investment platform Moneybox, has dubbed those quietly making savvy financial decisions as “Optimaxers” – people who maximise benefits with minimal effort by making smart money moves.

He said: “Being financially smart isn’t about having a fortune in the bank or a flashy lifestyle — it’s about making what you have work harder for you.

“Whether it’s using digital tools to stay accountable, building up loyalty points to fly first class, or putting spare savings to work through investing, these small, consistent moves can add up to something powerful.

“Optimaxers are brilliant at spotting low-effort, high-impact ways to stretch their money.

“They don’t necessarily earn more — they simply think smarter, act sooner, and let their habits do the heavy lifting.

“What really sets Optimaxers apart is mindset. They’re curious, proactive, and open to tweaking habits to get the best outcomes — whether it’s using an app to stay on track with goals or switching banks to unlock better rewards.

“Anyone can become an Optimaxer. It’s not about perfection—it’s about steady progress. A few smart decisions now can make a huge difference later, without taking up too much time or headspace.”

Interestingly, the research from OnePoll found that while many shy away from discussing finances, a huge 82% say they’d feel proud if their own smart money moves inspired others.

In fact, 47% admit they’ve already made smarter financial decisions after picking up tips from friends, and estimate those tips have saved them an average of £550 over the past 12 months.

Many have been inspired to plan ahead for major purchases instead of relying on credit (34%), while others stock up on non-perishables in bulk to cut costs (20%).

One in eight (12%) also now use autosave tools to squirrel away money effortlessly.

Brian Byrnes added: “Financial FOMO is something most of us feel at some point. But instead of letting it stress you out, use it as fuel. If someone else’s smart money move inspires you, let that spark your own.

“A small tip or shift could save you hundreds — or more — over time. Stay curious, cut through the noise, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

“The more you learn and act on, the less comparison matters—because you’re building a financial future on your own terms.”

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

RORY MCILROY saw a heartfelt moment with his family photobombed after winning the Masters.

After completing the career Grand Slam, McIlroy was seen embracing his wife, Erica Stoll, in a hug on the Augusta green.

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A golf fan tried to fist bump Rory McIlroy as he hugged his wife after his Masters win[/caption]

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McIlroy embraced wife, Erica Stoll, after his historic win at Augusta[/caption]

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McIlroy also hugged four-year-old daugher, Poppy[/caption]

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He thanked his family for being with him the whole way through[/caption]

However, one fan hilariously photo-bombed the heartwarming moment before they were joined by their four-year-old daughter, Poppy.

The fan in question was seen in the crowd next to McIlroy and Erica.

But as World No.2 McIlroy hugged his partner, the fan – wearing a watch and hat – was seen leaning forwards and gesturing for a fist bump.

Social media went crazy over the snap.

One fan said: “Shout out to the dude asking for a fist bump from Rory McIlroy as he celebrates his win at the Masters with his family.”

A second said: “That’s entitlement.”

A third added: “The guy looks exactly like the type of guy who’d ask for a fist bump in a very inappropriate moment.”

Another said: “A close second best moment of the night, what’s going through his skull here?”

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

A fifth said: “ELITE lack of awareness.”

A sixth said: “The real hero of this story.”

McIlroy, 35, and Erica, 37, reconciled last summer after he filed for divorce in May 2024.

And McIlroy was overcome with emotion as he ended his 11-year wait to win a Major again.

Speaking after his thrilling win, McIlroy said: “My family, my team, they’ve been on this journey with me the whole way through.

“The one thing I would say to my daughter Poppy, who is sitting over there, never, ever give up on your dreams.”

The vet deemed her quality of life “unacceptable” and she was euthanised. 

Meta faces a historic antitrust trial which may force it to break off Instagram and WhatsApp, startups it bought that have become social media powerhouses.

West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has revealed he is hopeful star veteran Jeremy McGovern will return to the side this week after completing rehab on his groin injury.

In a major win for cash advocates a big four bank has reversed its plan to close down three previously abandoned banking facilities.

The biggest cotton crop in the Ord Valley’s history has been planted as local growers gear up to become major producers and exporters of the product.