A confirmed £300 “pension deduction” has caused concern among retirees, but officials stress this is not a blanket cut to the State Pension. Instead, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will begin recovering certain Winter Fuel Payments from higher-income pensioners via PAYE adjustments from February 2026. The measure applies only to individuals whose annual taxable income … Read more
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that from 18 February 2026, a structured recovery process may apply to pensioners who have underpaid tax, with balances of up to £300 potentially collected through managed deductions. This is not a new universal charge and does not apply to all retirees. The measure is linked to correcting … Read more
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is preparing updated guidance from 2026 on how property ownership is assessed for means-tested pensioner benefits, including Pension Credit and related housing support. The changes do not remove protection for a pensioner’s main home. However, they are expected to tighten how additional property, rental income and released equity … Read more
Reports suggesting a blanket driving licence ban for over-60s from 2026 are incorrect. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has not announced any automatic ban based on age alone. Instead, proposed updates expected from 2026 focus on health-based assessments, clearer medical declarations and structured renewals, particularly where safety concerns arise. The UK Government says … Read more
There is no confirmed UK-wide £500 support payment for everyone in 2026. Despite widespread online claims, neither the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) nor HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced a universal £500 payment for all benefit claimants or pensioners. Where support worth up to £500 has been discussed, it typically refers to … Read more
Claims of a £422 monthly pension rise have circulated widely in recent weeks, prompting confusion among retirees. However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has not confirmed any universal £422 per month increase to the State Pension for 2026. Instead, the figure appears to reflect combined benefit entitlements in certain cases — particularly where … Read more
The UK Government has confirmed that new National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates will take effect from 1 April 2026, increasing hourly pay for millions of workers. The updated rates follow recommendations from the Low Pay Commission and will be enforced by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). From April 2026, workers … Read more
The UK Government has confirmed that the Household Support Fund (HSF) will continue until March 2026, with councils across England distributing targeted cost-of-living help. While there is no single nationwide £500 payment, some local authorities are offering support worth up to £500 per household, depending on need. The funding, provided by central government and administered … Read more
The UK Government has confirmed that changes to the Free Bus Pass scheme will take effect from 18 January 2026, affecting age-based eligibility in England and tightening renewal checks across parts of the UK. The reform aligns concessionary travel more closely with the State Pension age. The update does not abolish the scheme. Free off-peak … Read more
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a £531 one-off support payment for eligible pensioners across the UK, with payments beginning from 18 January 2026. The payment is designed to provide additional help with winter living costs, including energy, food and household bills. The £531 will be paid automatically into bank accounts of … Read more