Published date:
The Money and Benefits Team has been actively supporting residents throughout January and February, helping almost 200 households with essential financial guidance and support.
As we move into Spring, the rise in household bills may place additional pressure on finances. The team is available to provide advice, guidance, and practical support to help residents manage their money more effectively.
Key benefits and financial changes in 2025
Please note that information about some of these changes may be limited at present and also subject to further change.
March 2025
Winter Fuel Payments - The last day to apply for the 2024/25 Winter Fuel Payment is 31 March 2025. Visit Winter Fuel Payment: Overview - GOV.UK for key dates and eligibility
Household Support Funds - administered by local authorities. It will end on 31 March 2025. Residents who require support should check with their local authority before the deadline.
April 2025
Tax Credit service closure – The Tax Credit Service will officially close on 05 April 2025.
Increase in Social Security Benefits – Most social security benefits will increase by up to 1.7%.
Carer’s Allowance - The earnings threshold for Carer’s Allowance will increase from £151 to £196 per week.
National Minimum Wage increase – effective from 01 April, the new rates will be:
- £12.21 per hour - for people aged 21 and over
- £10.00 per hour – for 18- to 20-year-olds
- £6.40 per hour - for apprentices and those under 18
National Insurance Contribution’s (NIC’s) – The deadline to pay voluntary NICs for 2006/7 to 2015/6 to increase New State Pension entitlement has been extended to 05 April 2025.
Pension increases - The New and Basic State Pensions, alongside the Minimum Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit will increase by 4.1%.
September 2025
Free Childcare expansion - Working parents of children under the age of five will be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare per week from September 2025. Check you're eligible for free childcare if you're working - GOV.UK
December 2025
End of Legacy benefits - All managed migration notices are expected to be issued by the end of December 2025, marking the transition to Universal Credit. Move to Universal Credit
Universal Credit Mitigation - The transfer of people on income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit is expected to be completed across the UK. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will issue notices informing individuals of their transition requirements.
Universal Credit Transitional Protection – Some claimants transitioning to Universal Credit will receive transitional protection to ensure they are not significantly worse off.
This applies to:
- Managed migrants – Those moving to Universal Credit after receiving their Managed Migration Notice.
- People receiving Severe Disability Premium at the time of claiming Universal Credit.
Those moving due to a change in circumstances (natural migration) will not qualify for transitional protection unless they were receiving Severe Disability Premium at the time of their Universal Credit claim. For more details, visit GOV.UK.
Need Support?
The Money and Benefits Team is here to provide guidance on benefit changes, financial support, and ways to manage rising household costs. If you have any questions or need advice, please call 0800 5870211 or email information@jrht.org.uk
For more information, visit GOV.UK or contact your local support services.