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I’m in a 21-year age gap relationship, we met when I was 19 & moved in together in weeks – now we have a baby too

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Despite the pair being happily in love, many were concerned by the age gap.

One person wrote: “I wish you the best, sweetie, but if a 41-year-old man was circling my 19-year-old daughter he would regret it.”

Another commented: “This is your sign’ my sign to what? Call the cops?”

“I’m 43 and my son is 20. He could be your Dad. That’s weird,” penned a third.

Meanwhile, others were happy for the couple, a fourth said: “As someone who remarried – the best thing I did second time around – was marrying someone older.”

“Wishing them the very best in life because it’s very short, nothing wrong here to see,” claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “Wishing you guys a lifetime of happiness.”

Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.

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Hundreds of thousands could see huge boost to pension cash as government to announce major reforms

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If you are not sure what your pension schemes’ indexation is or what kind of pension you have, contact your pension provider or speak to your employer.

Your company’s HR should have information about your pension if you can’t find your paperwork.

What else is going on with pensions?

Pensions have been a hot topic over the past few years, with a number of reforms announced by the government.

The government announced a landmark pensions review last year that aimed to boost retirement income for millions of people by an average of £11,000, although this has been delayed.

There are also ongoing discussions around how a landmark court case last year could affect DB pension schemes, after it found Virgin Media had not got changes to its pension scheme signed off correctly.

Pensions are often the subject of administrative errors, too.

For example, the DWP is currently working through several state pension errors that have left retirees out of pocket.

One of those is the Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) error.

HRP was a scheme to protect parents who were not able to earn and pay National Insurance because they were raising children.

And last week, it was revealed that thousands of NHS workers could miss out in retirement after a major blunder which meant they did not receive vital paperwork by the correct deadline.

What are the different types of pensions?

WE round-up the main types of pension and how they differ:

  • Personal pension or self-invested personal pension (SIPP) – This is probably the most flexible type of pension as you can choose your own provider and how much you invest.
  • Workplace pension – The Government has made it compulsory for employers to automatically enrol you in your workplace pension unless you opt out.
    These so-called defined contribution (DC) pensions are usually chosen by your employer and you won’t be able to change it. Minimum contributions are 8%, with employees paying 5% (1% in tax relief) and employers contributing 3%.
  • Final salary pension – This is also a workplace pension but here, what you get in retirement is decided based on your salary, and you’ll be paid a set amount each year upon retiring. It’s often referred to as a gold-plated pension or a defined benefit (DB) pension. But they’re not typically offered by employers anymore.
  • New state pension – This is what the state pays to those who reach state pension age after April 6 2016. The maximum payout is £203.85 a week and you’ll need 35 years of National Insurance contributions to get this. You also need at least ten years’ worth to qualify for anything at all.
  • Basic state pension – If you reach the state pension age on or before April 2016, you’ll get the basic state pension. The full amount is £156.20 per week and you’ll need 30 years of National Insurance contributions to get this. If you have the basic state pension you may also get a top-up from what’s known as the additional or second state pension. Those who have built up National Insurance contributions under both the basic and new state pensions will get a combination of both schemes.

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Are Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Aldi open on Good Friday and Easter Monday?

EASTER is always a bustling time for UK supermarkets, whether you’re preparing for a traditional family roast or indulging in a few too many chocolate eggs.

However, with many stores operating reduced hours over the Easter weekend, it’s wise to plan ahead.

Many Aldi shopping carts.
Rex
We’ve listed all the major supermarkets closing their doors this Easter[/caption]

Most shops will be closed entirely on Easter Sunday (20 April).

Government rules dictate that stores in England and Wales over 280 square metres in size are legally obliged to close on Easter Sunday.

Shops smaller than this can remain open, but may change their opening hours to give staff time off.

While Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Monday (April 21) are bank holidays, many shops remain open, often with slightly reduced hours.

Larger chains typically provide store-specific Easter opening times on their websites or apps – using their store locators is the easiest way to find the latest information.

So, when exactly will your favourite supermarket be open?

Aldi

Aldi stores in England and Wales will remain open between 8am and 10pm on both Good Friday and Easter Saturday, but all will be closed on Easter Sunday.

They will reopen on Easter Monday, operating reduced hours from 8am to 8pm.

You can find your local store’s trading hours by visiting stores.aldi.co.uk/store-finder.

Asda

Opening hours at Asda supermarkets will vary, so customers are encouraged to visit storelocator.asda.com to check the most up-to-date information.

Nonetheless, the majority of its larger stores are expected to open from 7am to 10pm on Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

All larger stores will remain closed on Easter Sunday but are set to reopen on Easter Monday, with most operating between 8am and 10pm.

Most of its smaller Express stores will open at 7am and close at 10pm on Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

Co-op

Co-op‘s larger stores will operate their usual hours on Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Monday.

However, branches in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be closed on Easter Sunday.

Meanwhile, Co-op’s smaller convenience stores will remain open as normal throughout the Easter weekend.

You can find your local store’s trading hours by visiting coop.co.uk/store-finder.

Iceland

Iceland stores in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be closed on Easter Sunday, whereas branches in Scotland will remain open.

For Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Monday, most stores will operate their regular opening hours, with the exception of those located in shopping centres.

You can find your local store’s trading hours by visiting iceland.co.uk/store-finder.

Lidl

Lidl stores will operate their usual hours on Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

Branches in England and Wales will be closed on Easter Sunday but will reopen on Easter Monday.

Meanwhile, Lidl stores in Scotland will remain open on Easter Sunday.

You can find your local store’s trading hours by visiting lidl.co.uk/c/store-finder/s10023098.

M&S

M&S stores will operate as usual on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with most branches open from 8am to 8pm.

While the majority of stores will close on Easter Sunday, a select few will remain open from 9am to 6pm.

The retailer has not confirmed which locations will be open on Easter Sunday, so it’s recommended to use the store locator tool to check if your local branch is operating.

You can find your local store’s trading hours by visiting marksandspencer.com/MSResStoreFinderGlobalBaseCmd.

How to compare prices to get the best deal

JUST because something is on offer, or is part of a sale, it doesn't mean it's always a good deal.

There are plenty of comparison websites out there that’ll check prices for you – so don’t be left paying more than you have to.

Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers.

Here are some that we recommend:

  • Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results.
  • Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and the supermarkets. Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock.
  • Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers. All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one.
  • CamelCamelCamel only works on goods being sold on Amazon. To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of.

Morrisons

Morrisons has confirmed that opening hours will vary across its stores in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Customers looking to check the hours for a specific branch are encouraged to use the supermarket’s online store locator for the most accurate information.

You can find your local store’s trading hours by visiting my.morrisons.com/storefinder.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s has confirmed that the majority of its larger stores will be open from 7am to 10pm on both Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

Its Local stores will also operate as usual on these days, with opening hours from 7am to 10pm.

On Easter Sunday, all larger Sainsbury’s stores across the UK will be closed, except for those in Scotland, which will remain open as normal.

Local stores, however, will continue to trade as usual from 7am to 10pm.

For Easter Monday, most larger stores will open with reduced hours, from 8am to 8pm, while Local stores will once again operate their standard hours of 7am to 10pm.

You can find your local store’s trading hours by visiting stores.sainsburys.co.uk.

Tesco

Most Tesco stores will operate their usual trading hours on Good Friday, although some locations may close earlier than usual.

Scottish stores will open as normal.

On Easter Sunday, all larger Tesco stores in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be closed, while those in Scotland will open from 8am to 8pm.

The majority of Tesco Express stores across the UK will remain open on Easter Sunday.

For Easter Monday, opening hours will vary by location, with many larger stores operating reduced hours and closing at 8pm.

Tesco Express stores, however, will open as normal.

You can find your local store’s trading hours by visiting tesco.com/store-locator.

Waitrose

Most Waitrose stores will be open from 8am to 8pm on both Good Friday and Easter Monday, with some smaller branches operating extended hours from 6am to midnight.

On Easter Saturday, all Waitrose stores will trade as normal.

However, the vast majority of branches in England, Scotland, and Wales will close on Easter Sunday.

You can find your local store’s trading hours by visiting waitrose.com/find-a-store.

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Andy Carroll plans to WED girlfriend Lou 5 months after marriage split & tells pals ‘my divorce can’t come soon enough’

MARRIED footie star Andy Carroll is planning to propose to his girlfriend of five months, telling friends: “My divorce can’t come soon enough”.

The ex-Liverpool striker, 36, split from his estranged wife Billi Mucklow, 37, last year – weeks before revealing his new relationship.

Photo of Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale embracing.
Instagram/@andytcarroll
Andy Carroll is planning to propose to his girlfriend of five months Lou Teasdale[/caption]
Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow at the Pride of Britain Awards.
Getty
He split from estranged wife Billi Mucklow last year[/caption]
Andy Carroll kissing Lou Teasdale.
George Gottlieb @georgeonaboat
Andy and Lou are ‘madly in love’[/caption]
Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale relaxing on beach loungers, taking a selfie.
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Andy and Lou jetted off on a loved up trip last October[/caption]

He’s set on marrying celebrity make-up artist Lou Teasdale, 42, after making a fresh start together in France following his transfer to fourth-tier club Bordeaux.

A friend of the loved up couple said: “Andy is very close to proposing to Lou. They are madly in love.

“She is spending as much time as she can with him in France and Andy has never been happier.

“Lou is exactly what he needs because she is a calming influence on him and it’s noticeable the change she’s had on him to everyone around them.”

The Sun on Sunday revealed Andy’s turbulent two-year marriage ended in July 2024 after 11 years together.

Andy is said to be desperate to cut ties with his old life, but is getting push-back from his ex, who he shares three children with.

“He’s been telling friends his divorce can’t come quick enough,” our source added.

Andy, who has two more children from a previous relationship, was once the most expensive British player of all time when he joined Liverpool from Newcastle in 2011 earning £80,000 a week.

However, he is now earning below the French minimum wage for a full-time employee, claiming it costs HIM money to play there because his salary doesn’t cover his rent.

The former £35million footballer is on just £1,190 a month after tax, according to the Daily Mail.

Andy recently opened up about the “dark sides of fame” – saying he cares more about having a “simpler life” than a high salary.

He said: “In France I live a much easier, simpler life.

“People recognise me in the street but respect me. That’s key to my happiness.

“I can go back to being Andy, the boy from the north of England. Not the Premier League star I was, if I ever was. It would be unfair to say that popularity has taken more from me than it has given me, but sometimes it’s hard to manage those situations.

Andy Carroll's marriage history

FOOTBALL ace Andy Carroll is going through a divorce after a turbulent two-year marriage - here's when they met.

  • 2013: Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow began secretly dating
  • 2014: Andy proposed to Billi
  • 2015: Their first of three children, Arlo, was born
  • 2017: They had their second child, a son named Wolf. 
  • 2020: The couple announced in September they had welcomed a third child, a daughter called Marvel
  • 2022: Andy and Billi married in a lavish Hampshire ceremony, followed by a Coachella-themed party
  • 2022: Their wedding was almost called off after he was pictured drunkenly passed out in bed with two women in Dubai on his stag do
  • 2024: The pair secretly separated earlier in the year, but confirmed their divorce in September
  • 2024: Carroll went public with his new girlfriend, Lou Teasdale, a celebrity make-up artist, shortly after separating from Billi
  • 2024: Billi reportedly felt “blindsided” by his new relationship. 
  • 2025: Friends claim Andy is preparing to propose

“Fame has its dark sides.

“I hope to make it to 40. I have never let money be the main reason I played football. Especially not now, when it costs me more in rent than my salary.”

Andy’s wedding to Billi was almost called off in 2022 when he was pictured drunkenly passed out in bed with two women in Dubai on his stag do.

Billi forgave him after one of the women insisted nothing sexual happened.

Less than two years after their nuptials, the couple’s marriage was over – with Andy confirming they had started divorce proceedings after “a hard few months for our family”.

Weeks later Andy made his relationship with Lou public in October for a Halloween party dressed as Taylor Swift and her boyfriend Travis Kelce.

Billi was reportedly left “blindsided” by him dating Lou – a former stylist for pop star Harry Styles and the rest of One Direction – so soon after their separation.

The couple are selling their £8.5million house, previously owned by Sir Rod Stewart, after doubling its value in five years.

Billi was furious after catching Andy on CCTV sneaking back unannounced after he moved out of the house, which is set in 25 acres and boasts a pool, tennis court, boating lake and football pitch.

Couple posing for a photo.
Instagram
The Sun on Sunday revealed Andy’s turbulent two-year marriage to Billi ended in July 2024 after 11 years together[/caption]

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Who is Phil Foden’s mum Claire Rowlands?

PHIL Foden joined Man City’s academy at the tender age of four before breaking into the first team aged just 17.

Every step of the way his protective mum Claire has been supporting her boy. Here’s everything you need to know about her.

Phil Foden with his parents.
X
Phil Foden shared this pic with his mum and dad on X and captioned it: ‘Thank you to my mum and dad who have made all this possible’[/caption]

Who is Phil Foden’s mum Claire Rowlands?

Claire Rowlands, 45, is the mother of Phil Foden — one of England’s most talented footballers.

Born and raised in Stockport, Greater Manchester, she has been a driving force behind Phil’s success.

Claire told the Telegraph that Phil was “the cheapest kid ever,” before adding: “No games, no toys, nothing — just a football.”

Supportive mother

Claire’s dedication to her son’s football career began early.

Phil Foden joined Manchester City’s academy at just four years old, and Claire was there every step of the way to encourage him.

In 2022, Phil explained: “City were training the under-6s and I think I might have only been four at the time and they asked the school if they had anyone else who could play, and my PE teacher said ‘yeah we have this little guy who is pretty good’.

“So they brought me out for individual training and then gave me a card to give to my parents — and I have been there ever since!”

Claire’s passion for football is evident — she even supports her son’s team, Manchester City, while her husband, Phil Sr., supports Manchester United.

Family

Claire is a mother of five children: Phil, Callum, Kenzi, Lois, and Avayah.

In January 2019, Phil had his first son, Ronnie with childhood sweetheart, Rebecca Cooke at the age of 18, paying homage to his late grandfather.

They later welcomed two more children to their brood.

His mum Claire stepped in to help with childcare responsibilities while Phil focused on his footballing commitments.

Protective parent

Claire is known for her strong personality and protective instincts when it comes to her family.

One notable incident occurred at a boxing event in Manchester in 2022, when Claire confronted individuals during an altercation involving Phil.

We keep going

Phil FodenInstagram

She was seemingly punched in the face during a furious brawl after Amir Khan’s loss in his boxing grudge match against long-time foe Kell Brook.

The clip, which was widely shared on social media and filmed in a corridor of Manchester’s AO Arena, began with a seething Phil turning as he appeared to be goaded following City’s 3-2 loss to Spurs earlier that day.

His girlfriend Rebecca Cooke shouted at the aggressors: “Who you calling a c***?”

The couple walked into a private room in the arena following Amir’s bloody defeat by Kell.

Phil Foden with his mother and girlfriend at a FIFA World Cup match.
Getty
Phil Foden with mum Claire and girlfriend Rebecca at the Qatar World Cup in 2022[/caption]

Phil’s mum Claire was then seen walking out and asking the group: “Right, who’s calling him?”

One of the men replied: “No one.”

Claire said: “Right, then f*** off.”

She appeared to push out at a man in a black jacket, forcing him back several steps, before the attacker stepped in and took a swing at her.

It’s not clear if the blow connected, but Claire reeled backwards before a man in a black baseball hat stepped in to defend her.

Phil Foden signing a document with his parents.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrOHNDrgVS0/?hl=en&img_index=1
Phil pictured signing a new Man City contract alongside his proud parents[/caption]

Derogatory derby chant

Pep Guardiola slammed United fans for “shameful” chants about Phil Foden‘s mum during the Manchester derby on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

Some sections of the home crowd were heard chanting “Phil Foden, your mum is a s**g” during the Old Trafford stalemate.

City boss Guardiola condemned the fans responsible, saying: “It was a lack of class.

“We are so exposed in football — managers, owners and football players especially.”

He added: “I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.

“It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”

On Monday, April 7, 2025, Phil responded on Instagram.

Alongside five photos of himself from the match, the Man City star wrote: “We keep going.”

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Gareth Gates shares very rare pic of daughter as she turns 16

GARETH Gates gushed over his daughter as they celebrated her 16th birthday.

The singer praised the 16-year-old Missy in a gushing post.

Gareth Gates with his daughter Missy.
instagram/garethgates
Gareth Gates shared a very rare pic of his daughter Missy as she turns 16[/caption]
Gareth Gates with his daughter Missy for her 15th birthday.
Instagram
The doting dad gushed over his daughter[/caption]
Gareth Gates singing on stage while holding his daughter.
Alamy
Missy hopes to follow in her dad’s footsteps to become a singer[/caption]

“Today my little princess turns 16. Missy moo, I love you more than the world. The little lady you’ve become makes me beam with pride, I’m truly the luckiest Daddy,” he wrote.

“You’re the most beautiful soul, inside and out. Keep being you my angel. Happy Birthday @missygates_x”

Gareth shares Missy with his ex-wife Suzanne Mole, and while he rarely posts photos of his daughter after saying he wants her to grow up away from the spotlight, he revealed she is keen to follow in his footsteps as a singer.

“She’s got a great voice. She’s a great dancer. The more that she gets to be in and around that music world, the more that she learns,” he told the MailOnline last year.

“She dances every night after school. You know, she’s kind of going through all of her grades.” 

Gareth became a household name in 2002 after coming up runner-up to Will Young on TV singing contest, Pop Idol. 

Since then, he has continued to tour the UK, with him heading out on tour later this year, fronting a tribute show to Franki Valli and The Four Seasons. 

Gareth recently opened up on the moment his West End star girlfriend, Allana Taylor, stood up to some women who had been bullying him.

The couple were onboard a cruise ship at the time and had found themselves in the cabin next to the nasty group.

Gareth said Allana snapped after three days of hearing the female bullies mimicking him from their adjoining balcony.

The singer, who found fame on the 2001 series of Popstars, has now described his heroic girlfriend as his “knight in shining armour”.

Gareth spoke about the heartbreaking incident during an appearance on ITV1’s Loose Women.

He said: “Unfortunately, on the ship, we had a bit of an incident.

“There were some women next door to our cabin and they learned that I was in that cabin. And every time I went out on the balcony, they started to mock my speech by going, G-g-g-Gareth Gates, or to sing the song Ch-ch-ch-Changes.

“It was… I’m sort of very, very used to that. I am, I’ve had it my whole life. But my other half, after two or three days of this, it just got too much, and so she went round.

“She knocked on the door and said, ‘Please will you stop doing this?'”

Gareth Gates on the Loose Women TV show.
Rex
Gareth has continued touring the U.K[/caption]
Gareth Gates with his fiancée, Suzanne Mole.
He shares Missy with ex-wife, Suzanne Mole
Rex Features

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Virgin Media reveals WiFi trick that instantly boosts speed & improves signal – ignoring it could break your broadband

VIRGIN Media customers are just realising they could be making a massive mistake that’s slowing down their broadband — but a simple WiFi trick could fix it in seconds.

The internet giant has revealed a clever setting that can instantly boost your speed… and ignoring it could leave your connection crawling to a halt.

Close-up of internet router lights and icons.
PA
A simple switch could end sluggish streaming and banish dead zones – and it won’t cost you a penny[/caption]
Paramount+ comes to Virgin TV
And Virgin warns that hiding the box might make it look better, but it’ll tank your speeds
Sky

A series of simple hacks could instantly speed up your Wi-Fi and banish dead zones for good — and all it takes is a better router spot.

Whether you’re bingeing boxsets or gaming online, faster downloads often come at a cost, depending on your postcode and package.

But Virgin’s latest tips prove you don’t have to fork out for quicker speeds.

Shared on the provider’s website, the golden rule is all about placement — and it turns out where you plonk your router could make or break your connection.

Virgin says your best bet is keeping it in the centre of your home, raised up on a shelf or table, and well away from walls, mirrors, microwaves, fish tanks and baby monitors — all known to wreak havoc with your signal.

And if you’ve been tempted to tuck it behind the telly or stuff it in a cupboard — don’t!

Virgin warns that hiding the box might make it look better, but it’ll tank your speeds.

Still struggling? Try a speed test via a wired connection, then compare it to your wireless speeds.

If there’s a huge gap, your router might need relocating — or you could benefit from signal boosters.

Customers can expect more free channels added to their boxes as the telecoms giant fights to keep up with streaming.

The firm has already added a number of streamed channels to the TV guide since last year in a bid to fill the gap from losses.

Virgin added two new streamed channels, Red Bull TV and Wonder.

In the past 12 months big name channels such as The BoxLondon Live and more recently Eurosport have disappeared from UK screens.

Rival Sky’s future very much appears to be in the streaming live TV space after announcing a second Sky Glass device in February, while its long-running satellite business remains with nine-year-old Sky Q boxes.

Virgin has its own streamed TV offering called Flex.

David Bouchier, Virgin Media O2’s Chief TV & Entertainment Officer told the Connected TV World Summit that there are currently about 30 so-called FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) channels.

But they planning to introduce as many as 50, according to Broadband TV News.

“We took the decision that had technical and regulatory complications, but we took the decision that it had to sit in our EPG and our FAST channels do that,” he said.

“We also heard about the importance of regional content, local appeal. We are not going for volume. We don’t need a volume of kind of faceless international channels.

“We’re fortunate with being an English language territory that we have a lot of library from UK producers who produce a lot of programming now and have very well-known program brands that are able to create very powerful thematic FAST channels for us.”

The firm is planning to complete a shift of its broadcast technology later this year, meaning users will have smaller TV boxes.

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Millions on benefits to get a pay rise TODAY – check how much more you’ll get

MILLIONS on benefits will get a pay rise today, here its how much more you’ll get.

Benefits including Universal Credit and the State Pension will rise today to to offset the rising price of food and other goods.

iPad displaying the UK government website's Universal Credit page.
Alamy
Universal Credit and other benefits will increase today[/caption]

Most benefits will increase by 1.7%, but others including the State Pension will rise by more.

Here is a breakdown of how much you are set to receive.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a payment handed out by the Government to help those above State Pension age living with physical and mental illnesses.

It’s paid at two difference rates and how much you get depends on the severity of your illness.

Today, both rates have increased by 1.7%.

The higher rate has risen from £108.55 to £110.40, while the lower rate has risen to £72.65 to £73.90.

Carer’s Allowance

This is a benefit paid to anyone who provides care for someone for at least 35 hours a week.

The person you are caring for must also receive certain benefits, such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.

You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.

The amount claimants receive has increased from £81.90 to £83.30 a week, or 1.7%.

Child Benefit

Parents can claim child benefit for children up to age 16, or 20 if they remain in education.

There are two child benefit rates – one for the eldest child and another for each further child.

The eldest or only child rate has risen from £25.60 per week, to £26.05 today, an increase of 1.7%.

The rate for additional children is £16.95, has also risen by 1.7% to £17.25.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

DLA is a benefit which helps people cover the costs of living with a disability.

The benefit is currently being phased out and replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

You can now only apply for DLA if you’re under 16, although it may have some legacy claimants, all of which will see rates go up by 1.7%.

DLA is paid at three levels.

  • The highest amount has risen from £108.55 to £110.40
  • The middle amount has risen from £72.65 to £73.90
  • The lowest amount has risen from £28.70 to £29.20

Those who also receive the mobility component have also seen their payments go up:

  • The higher amount has increased from £75.75 to £77.05
  • The lower amount has increased from £28.70 to £29.20

Employment Support Allowance (ESA)

You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

Rates will increase by 1.7% from today, April 7.

Single people will see their payments increase by:

  • Under 25-years-old, from £71.70 to £72.90
  • Age 25 and older, from £90.50 to £92.05
  • Lone parent under 18, from £71.70 to £72.90
  • Lone parent 18 or over, from £90.50 to £92.05

Those in a couple will also see their rates rise:

  • Both under 18-years-old, from £71.70 to £72.90
  • Both under 18 years old with a child, from £108.30 to £110.15
  • Both over 18, from £142.25 to £144.65
  • Under 25, partner under 18, from £71.70 to £72.90
  • Claimant 25 or over, partner under 18, from £90.50 to £92.05

The premium paid to those with an enhanced disability will rise from £20.85 to £21.20 for a single claimant and from £29.75 to £30.25 for a couple.

Those with a severe disability will see payments rise from £81.50 to £82.90 for a single claimant, from £81.50 to £82.90 for a couple on the lower rate and from £163 to £165.80 for a couple on the higher rate.

HOUSING BENEFIT

The benefit is currently being phased out and is set to be replaced with Universal Credit.

But the rates at which housing benefit is paid to existing claimants have now increased by 1.7%.

Single people under 25 will see their personal allowances increase from £71.70 to £72.90, while those over 25 will see the rate increase from £90.50 to £92.05.

A couple under the age of 18 will see their personal allowance increase from £108.30 to £110.15, while for a couple over 18 it will increase from £142.25 to £144.65.

The rate for dependant children will increase from £83.24 to £84.66.

A single pensioner will see their personal allowance increase from £83.24 to £84.66.

Meanwhile a couple of pension age will see it increase from £352 to £366.

New-style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

JSA has replaced income-based Jobseeker’s allowance.

The benefit supports those who are out of work while they look for employment. This benefit has also increased by 1.7%.

Now the following rates will apply:

  • Under 25-year-olds – JSA payments will increase from £71.70 a week to £72.90.
  • Over 25-year-olds – JSA payments will rise from £90.50 to £92.05.
  • Couples under 18 – Payments will go up from £71.70 to £72.90.
  • Couples over 18 – Payments will increase from £142.25 to £144.65.
  • Single pensioners – Payments will rise from £127.65 to £135.05.
  • Couples of state pension age – Payments will increase from £190.70 to £201.95.

PENSION CREDIT

Pension Credit gives you extra money if you claim the State Pension and are on a low income.

Some of the payments made to claimants have increased by more than 1.7%.

For example, guaranteed Pension Credit payments has gone up by 4.1% from £218.15 a week to £227.10 for single claimants and from £332.95 to £346.60 for couples.

However a single, disabled Pension Credit claimant has seen payments increase by 1.7% from £81.50 to £82.90.

Meanwhile a couple where both claimants qualify for disability payments will see the amount they receive go up from £163 to £165.80.

Some people can also get the “Savings Credit” part of Pension Credit if both of the following apply:

  • You reached state pension age before April 6, 2016
  • You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension

This maximum payments made with this part of pension credit have risen from £17.01 a week to £17.30 for single people or from £19.04 to £19.36 for couples.

Personal Independence Payments (PIP)

Rates for people claiming PIP have risen by 1.7% this April.

The payments help cover some of the extra costs you have to pay when you have long term ill health or a disability

Payments for the daily living component have increased from £108.55 to £110.40 for the enhanced rate and from £72.65 to £73.90 for standard.

The mobility component has also rise from £75.75 to £77.05 for enhanced and from £28.70 to £29.20 for standard.

STATE PENSION

The state pension has increased from from £11,502.40 to £11,975 per year – a 4.1% boost.

The state pension rises under the “triple lock” system which sees it rise in line with whatever is highest out of: wage growth, 2.5% or September’s inflation figures.

This year the rate of wage growth applies, meaning a 4.1% boost.

The full rate of the new state pension has risen £221.20 a week to £230.25.

For the basic part of the old state pension, the rate has increased from £169.50 to £176.45.

STATUTORY PARENTAL PAY

This benefit has also increased by 1.7%, with rates rising from £184.03 a week to £187.18.

The benefit includes maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and parental bereavement payments.

Statutory sick pay

You might be able to get statutory sick pay (SSP) if you’re off work due to illness.

The benefit previously gave claimants £116.75 per week and it is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.

But it has now increased to £118.75.

Universal Credit

The amount people claiming Universal Credit recieve has increased by 1.7%

The benefit paid to those who are not currently in work or to top up the income of low earners..

Standard allowance (per month)

  • For those single and aged under 25, the standard allowance has risen from £311.68 to £316.98
  • For those single and aged 25 or over, the standard allowance has risen from £393.45 to £400.14
  • For joint claimants both under 25, the standard allowance has risen from £489.23 to £497.55
  • For joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over, the standard allowance has risen from £617.60 to £628.10

Extra amounts for children

  • For those with a first child born before April 6, 2017, the extra amount has increased from £333.33 to £339
  • For those with a child born on or after April 6, 2017 or second child and subsequent child, the extra amount has risen from £287.92 to £292.81
  • For those with a disabled child, the lower rate addition payment has risen from £156.11 to £158.76 and the higher rate from £487.58 to £495.87.

Extra amounts for limited capability for work

  • For those deemed to have limited capability for work, the amount has increased from £156.11 to £158.76
  • For those deemed to have limited capability for work or work-related activity, the extra amount will has increased from £416.19 to £423.27

Extra amounts for being a carer

Universal Credit claimants can get an additional amount if caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week.

The amount you get a month has risen from £198.31 to £201.68

The work allowance rates have also risen.

Increased work allowance

  • The higher work allowance (no housing amount) for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work has risen from £673 to £684
  • The lower work allowance for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work has risen from £404 to £411

Are you missing out on benefits?

YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to

Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.

Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.

MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.

You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.

Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.

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