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  • Are you missing out on Pension Credit — and how do you claim what you are owed?

    Are you missing out on Pension Credit — and how do you claim what you are owed?

    Around 800,000 pensioners in the UK are entitled to Pension Credit but have never claimed it, missing out on up to £3,900 a year. If your weekly income is below £238 (single) or £363.25 (couple), you could qualify — and claiming unlocks a cascade of other free benefits too. Here is everything you need to know to check your eligibility and apply today.

    What is Pension Credit — and is it different from the State Pension?

    Pension Credit is a separate, means-tested benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is not the same as the State Pension. While the State Pension is something you earn through your National Insurance contributions, Pension Credit is a top-up for people on lower incomes who have reached State Pension age.

    The benefit has two parts:

    • Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a minimum level — £238.00 a week if you are single, or £363.25 a week if you are in a couple (2026/27 rates).
    • Savings Credit is an extra payment for those who saved money towards retirement. It is only available if you (or your partner) reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.

    How much could you get — and what counts as income?

    The amount you receive depends on your income from all sources: State Pension, any private or workplace pensions, savings interest, and most other income. However, the rules around savings are more generous than many people expect.

    The first £10,000 of your savings, ISAs and investments is ignored entirely. Above £10,000, every £500 (or part of £500) is treated as giving you just £1 a week of income — so even people with modest savings pots can still qualify. There is no upper savings limit for Guarantee Credit.

    A practical example: if you are single with a State Pension of £200 a week and no other income, you could receive around £38 a week — roughly £1,976 a year — to bring you up to the £238 threshold. Those with income significantly below the threshold could receive considerably more.

    What other benefits does claiming Pension Credit unlock?

    This is where Pension Credit becomes particularly powerful. It acts as a gateway benefit, opening the door to a range of additional support that can be worth thousands of pounds a year:

    • Free TV licence — if you are 75 or over and receive Pension Credit, your TV licence is free, saving £174.50 a year.
    • Council Tax Reduction — most councils offer full or partial reductions to Pension Credit recipients. The saving varies by area but can range from a few hundred pounds to over £1,600 a year.
    • Warm Home Discount — a £150 reduction on your electricity bill each year, applied automatically if you receive the Guarantee Credit element.
    • Cold Weather Payments — £25 for every seven-day period of very cold weather in your local area.
    • Free NHS dental treatment — including check-ups, fillings and dentures.
    • Help with NHS costs — including vouchers towards glasses and contact lenses.

    When you add it all up, claiming Pension Credit can unlock well over £5,000 a year in combined support for those who qualify for the full range of extras.

    Why are so many people not claiming what they are owed?

    Despite £3 billion in Pension Credit going unclaimed every year, the DWP estimates around 800,000 pensioners who are entitled to it have never applied. Age UK’s research suggests the real figure could be closer to one million.

    The reasons people miss out are usually one of the following:

    • They assume their savings disqualify them — but as the rules above show, savings up to £10,000 are ignored entirely.
    • They think it is too complicated to apply — but the phone application takes around 20 minutes and a DWP adviser fills in the form with you.
    • They feel uncomfortable claiming a means-tested benefit — but Pension Credit is an entitlement, not charity. You have paid into the system all your working life.
    • They simply do not know it exists — particularly those who have never previously claimed any benefits.

    How do you check whether you are eligible?

    The quickest way to check is to use the free Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK. It takes around five minutes and asks about your income, savings and living situation. You do not need to give your name or any personal details — it is completely anonymous.

    As a rough guide, you are likely to be eligible if you:

    • Have reached State Pension age (currently 66, rising gradually to 67 by 2028)
    • Live in England, Scotland or Wales
    • Have a weekly income from all sources below £238 if you are single, or £363.25 if you are a couple

    Even if you own your home outright, that has no effect on your eligibility. And even if your income is slightly above the threshold, it is worth checking — circumstances such as a disability, caring responsibilities, or a severe disability premium can raise the amount you are entitled to.

    How do you apply — and can you backdate your claim?

    There are three ways to apply for Pension Credit:

    • By phone: Call 0800 99 1234 (free, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). A DWP adviser will complete the form with you — you do not need to fill anything in yourself.
    • Online: Apply at GOV.UK — you will need a Government Gateway account to log in.
    • By post: Call the helpline and ask for a paper form to be sent to your address.

    Importantly, you can backdate a Pension Credit claim by up to three months. That means if you apply today and are approved, you may receive a lump sum covering the months you have already missed. Do not put it off — every week you wait is money you cannot recover.

    Before you call, it helps to have the following ready: your National Insurance number, details of your income (State Pension, private or workplace pensions, any savings or investments), and your bank account details for payment.

    Key takeaways

    • Pension Credit tops up your income to £238/week (single) or £363.25/week (couple) — 2026/27 rates.
    • Around 800,000 eligible pensioners are not claiming it — £3 billion goes unclaimed every year.
    • Savings up to £10,000 are ignored entirely; owning your home does not count against you.
    • Claiming unlocks a free TV licence (over-75s), Council Tax Reduction, Warm Home Discount, and free NHS dental treatment.
    • You can backdate your claim by up to three months — so apply as soon as possible.
    • To apply: call 0800 99 1234 (free, Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm) or apply online at GOV.UK.
  • How do you spot the early signs of skin cancer — and why does it matter more than ever this summer?

    How do you spot the early signs of skin cancer — and why does it matter more than ever this summer?

    Melanoma cases in the UK have just reached a record high, with new figures showing cases have doubled since the 1990s. People over 55 face a higher risk due to decades of accumulated sun exposure — but 86% of melanoma cases are preventable. Knowing what to look for on your own skin, and when to see your GP, could genuinely save your life.

    Why are skin cancer cases rising — and why does it especially affect people over 55?

    Cancer Research UK announced this month that melanoma skin cancer cases have hit a record high in the UK. Cases have doubled since the 1990s, and around 20,000 people are now diagnosed every year. Every day, roughly seven people in the UK die from the disease.

    If you are over 55, a lifetime of sun exposure places you at higher risk. Melanoma is most common in older adults — and unlike many cancers, it is often visible, which means catching it early is entirely possible if you know what to look for. One in 36 men and one in 47 women in the UK will be diagnosed with melanoma at some point in their life.

    The good news is that when melanoma is caught at an early stage, it is highly treatable. The challenge is knowing when to act — and that starts with checking your own skin.

    What should you actually be looking at when you check your skin?

    Doctors use the ABCDE checklist to identify warning signs in moles and marks. When you examine your skin, look for:

    • Asymmetry — one half of the mole looks different from the other
    • Border — the edges are ragged, notched, blurred, or irregular rather than smooth
    • Colour — the mole contains more than one colour, or has patches of pink, red, white, or blue
    • Diameter — it is larger than 6mm across (roughly the size of the end of a pencil), though smaller ones can still be worth checking
    • Evolving — any change in size, shape, or colour over weeks or months, or a mole that starts itching, bleeding, or crusting

    You do not need to tick all five boxes to be concerned. Any single change that feels new or different is worth having looked at — do not wait to see if it settles down on its own.

    Are there parts of the body that people commonly miss when checking?

    Yes — and this is where many people come unstuck. It is easy to check your arms and legs, but melanoma can develop in less obvious places. Make sure you also check:

    • Your back and shoulders — ask a partner or family member to look for you
    • Your scalp, particularly if your hair is thinning
    • Behind your ears and on the back of your neck
    • The soles of your feet and between your toes
    • Under your fingernails — a dark streak running down the nail can occasionally indicate melanoma

    A good habit is to do a full-body check once a month in good light, using a hand mirror for areas you cannot easily see. It takes about five minutes and could catch something at a stage when it is straightforward to treat.

    What sun protection do you actually need — and are most people using it correctly?

    The NHS recommends using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a four or five-star UVA rating. Most people apply far less than they need to, which significantly reduces the effective level of protection.

    Here is what the NHS actually advises for effective sun protection:

    • Apply sunscreen generously at least 20 minutes before going outside
    • Reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming or towelling off
    • Avoid direct sun during the hottest part of the day — roughly 11am to 3pm in the UK from May to September
    • Wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and clothing that covers your shoulders on sunny days
    • Never use sunbeds — they increase melanoma risk significantly at any age

    One thing that surprises many people: you can get sunburnt on cloudy or overcast days in the UK when the UV index is high. From May through September, UV levels can be high enough to cause skin damage even when it does not feel warm. If you are spending time outdoors, protection is worthwhile whatever the weather looks like.

    How do you get a mole or mark checked on the NHS?

    If you notice a change that concerns you, book an appointment with your GP. You do not need to wait and watch — GPs prefer to see things early. When you call, be specific: say you have noticed a change in a mole or a new mark on your skin and would like it examined. This helps the receptionist prioritise your appointment appropriately.

    If your GP is concerned, they can refer you under the NHS two-week wait pathway for suspected skin cancer. This means you should be seen by a dermatologist within 14 days. That pathway exists precisely so that nothing is left to chance — if you are offered it, use it.

    Some GP surgeries have a dermatoscope — a specialist magnifying device — and can examine moles themselves before deciding whether to refer. If your GP says they are not concerned but you remain worried, you are entitled to ask for a second opinion or a referral. Do not feel you are being a nuisance by asking.

    What happens if your GP does refer you to a dermatologist?

    A dermatology appointment for a suspected melanoma usually involves a close examination of the mole using a dermatoscope. If the specialist remains concerned, they will typically arrange a biopsy — a small sample of skin removed under local anaesthetic and sent to a laboratory.

    Most biopsies come back clear. For those that do show melanoma, early detection makes a dramatic difference: melanoma caught at stage one has a survival rate of around 98%. Caught at a later stage, that figure drops significantly. The biopsy is not something to fear — it is the test that tells you where you stand and, in most cases, gives you complete reassurance.

    What is the key takeaway?

    Melanoma is more common in older adults, and UK cases have just hit a record high — but 86% are preventable, and those caught early are highly treatable. Check your skin once a month using the ABCDE method, use SPF 30+ whenever you are in the sun, and see your GP promptly if anything looks or feels different. Early action is almost always the right call — and the NHS two-week pathway exists to make sure you are seen quickly if there is any concern.

  • What is probate — and do you always need to apply for it when someone dies?

    What is probate — and do you always need to apply for it when someone dies?

    The quick answer: Probate is the official legal process of confirming a will is valid and granting someone the legal authority to deal with the estate of a person who has died. You will usually need it if the deceased owned property in their sole name, or had bank accounts or investments above roughly £15,000–£50,000. But not every death requires it — jointly owned assets, small accounts, and some financial products can often be released without going through probate at all.

    What is probate, and why does it exist?

    When someone dies, the people left behind need to be able to access their money, sell their property, and distribute their possessions according to the will. But institutions like banks, building societies, and the Land Registry will not simply hand over those assets to whoever claims to be in charge — they need legal proof that the person dealing with the estate has the authority to do so.

    Probate provides that proof. If there is a valid will, the court issues a document called a Grant of Probate, which confirms the will is genuine and names the executor who can act. If there is no will, a similar document called Letters of Administration is issued instead, usually to the next of kin.

    In either case, once you have this document, banks and other institutions will deal with you. Without it, they generally will not — no matter how close your relationship to the person who died.

    Do you always need probate when someone dies?

    No — and this surprises many people. Whether you need probate depends on what the deceased owned and how those assets were held. Some common situations where probate is not required:

    • Jointly owned assets — if property or bank accounts were held in joint names, they usually pass automatically to the surviving owner without probate, through a legal principle called “right of survivorship”
    • Small bank accounts — many banks will release funds below a certain threshold on production of the death certificate and a simple form. The threshold varies but is typically between £15,000 and £50,000 depending on the institution
    • Life insurance with a named beneficiary — if the policy names a specific person (rather than “the estate”), it pays out directly to that person without going through probate
    • Small estates under £5,000 — estates worth less than £5,000 are exempt from the probate fee, and many institutions will handle them informally

    If the person who died owned a house in their sole name, you will almost certainly need probate — the Land Registry requires it before ownership can be transferred or the property sold.

    What does the probate process actually involve?

    If you are named as an executor in someone’s will and probate is needed, here is roughly what you will need to do:

    • Register the death and obtain the death certificate. You will need several certified copies — one for the bank, one for the mortgage lender, one for probate, and so on. Since November 2025, extra copies of the probate grant cost £16 each (up from £1.50), so order what you need at the start
    • Gather details of the estate — list all assets (property, bank accounts, investments, pensions, personal possessions) and all debts (mortgage, loans, credit cards). Every bank and financial institution will need to be contacted separately
    • Complete an inheritance tax return — even if no inheritance tax is due (most estates fall below the threshold), you usually still need to report the estate value to HMRC using form IHT205 or IHT400, depending on the size and complexity of the estate
    • Apply for the Grant of Probate — this is done online through GOV.UK or by post to the Probate Registry. You will need the original will, the death certificate, and the completed PA1P form (if there is a will) or PA1A (if there is not). The current fee is £300 for estates over £5,000
    • Administer the estate — once the grant arrives, you can close accounts, sell property, pay any debts, and distribute what remains to the beneficiaries named in the will, or according to the rules of intestacy if there is no will

    How much does probate cost in 2026?

    If you apply yourself, the core costs are straightforward:

    • £300 — the court fee (for estates over £5,000; nothing to pay for estates of £5,000 or less)
    • £16 per extra copy of the grant — you will typically need 5–10 copies for banks and institutions. This rose sharply from £1.50 per copy in November 2025, so budget carefully
    • £11 per death certificate copy — ordered from the General Register Office

    A straightforward DIY application with 8 copies of the grant now costs around £428 in official fees alone — roughly £113 more than a year ago, before the copy fee increase.

    If you use a solicitor, fees range widely. For a straightforward estate, expect £2,000–£5,000 or more, depending on complexity. Some firms charge 1–2% of the estate value, which can be very expensive on a large estate. Always ask for a written quote and compare at least two firms before committing.

    How long does probate take?

    This is one of the most frustrating parts of the process, and something families are often unprepared for. HMCTS currently processes online applications within roughly 4–6 weeks, though postal applications take longer. But the grant arriving is not the end — it is the beginning of estate administration.

    The overall process — from death to final distribution — typically takes 9–12 months for a straightforward estate. Complex cases (multiple properties, overseas assets, family disputes, or a large inheritance tax bill) can take considerably longer. Legal waiting periods are built into the process to give creditors time to come forward, and HMRC may take weeks or months to confirm the inheritance tax position.

    One practical tip: contact banks early with a death certificate and ask what their internal threshold is for releasing funds informally. Some will release money to cover funeral expenses before the grant arrives, which can ease a great deal of financial pressure in those first difficult weeks.

    Should you use a solicitor — or can you do it yourself?

    Many people handle probate themselves, particularly for straightforward estates. The GOV.UK website has clear guidance, and the online application system is designed to be used by non-lawyers. If the estate is simple — one property, a few bank accounts, a clear will, no inheritance tax — doing it yourself is entirely reasonable and can save thousands of pounds.

    A solicitor is well worth considering if:

    • The estate is large enough to attract inheritance tax (above £325,000 for a single person, or up to £650,000 for a couple, depending on circumstances)
    • There is no will, or the will is complex or contested
    • The estate includes business assets, overseas property, or trusts
    • Family members are in dispute about the will or the estate
    • You are the executor but live far away, or are grieving and simply do not have the capacity to manage months of paperwork

    If you do use a solicitor, you do not have to hand over full control. You can instruct them just to obtain the Grant of Probate, then handle the rest yourself. This “grant only” service typically costs £500–£1,000 and gives you the legal document you need without paying for full estate administration.

    What are the key things to know about probate?

    • Probate is the legal authority to deal with someone’s estate — you will almost certainly need it if they owned a home in their sole name
    • The court fee is £300, but extra copies of the grant now cost £16 each — order enough at the start to avoid delays
    • Jointly owned assets usually pass automatically without probate — check how things were held before assuming you need to apply
    • Online applications through GOV.UK are processed in around 4–6 weeks; the whole estate process typically takes 9–12 months
    • You can handle it yourself for a straightforward estate, or use a solicitor just for the grant if you want professional help without full-service fees
  • Have the free bus pass rules changed in 2026 — and when can you get yours?

    Have the free bus pass rules changed in 2026 — and when can you get yours?

    In England, the qualifying age for a free bus pass started rising in April 2026 — from 66 towards 67, in line with the rising state pension age. If you were counting on getting your pass at 66, you may need to wait a little longer. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland still give free travel from age 60. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, and where your pass can actually take you.

    What is the free bus pass — and who is it for?

    The free bus pass is one of the most practical perks available to older people in the UK. Once you qualify, you can travel on local bus services at no cost — making it easier to get to appointments, visit family, and explore your local area without worrying about the fare.

    The scheme is known as the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) in England, and similar schemes operate across the other UK nations. The key point: it is not means-tested. Your income, savings, or pension make no difference to whether you qualify. If you meet the age threshold, you are entitled to the pass.

    Has the qualifying age in England actually changed — and when can you get yours?

    Yes — and this matters if you live in England and are planning ahead. From April 2026, the qualifying age for a free bus pass in England has started rising from 66 towards 67. The change is being phased in gradually, linked to the rising state pension age rather than happening overnight for everyone at once.

    If you were born before 6 April 1960, you already qualified at 66 and can get your pass now. But if you were born after that date, your qualifying age is being incrementally pushed back, and you may need to wait until you are 67 before you can apply.

    The simplest thing to do is use the free eligibility checker on GOV.UK. Enter your date of birth and it tells you exactly when you can apply — it takes about 30 seconds and removes all the guesswork.

    Is the age really different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

    Significantly different — and many people do not realise quite how large the gap has become.

    • Scotland: free bus travel from age 60, with the National Entitlement Card — valid at any time of day, including peak hours.
    • Wales: free bus travel from age 60, available at any time.
    • Northern Ireland: free travel from 60 with the SmartPass scheme.
    • England: free off-peak travel only, from state pension age — currently 66 and rising towards 67.

    This means that if you are 62 and live in Scotland, you already have free travel. If you are 62 and live in England, you may need to wait another five years. Transport is a devolved matter, so each nation sets its own rules — but the seven-year gap between England and the other nations is a striking difference that catches many people off guard.

    Can you get a free bus pass before retirement age?

    Yes — if you have a qualifying disability, you may be entitled to a bus pass regardless of your age. In England, the disability routes include being blind or partially sighted, deaf without speech, without the use of both arms, having a learning disability, a severe mental disorder, or a physical condition that significantly affects your ability to walk.

    If any of these apply to you or someone you care for, it is well worth applying through your local council. You will typically need a supporting letter from a GP or healthcare professional, but the process is the same as for an age-based application. The age threshold does not apply.

    What does the free bus pass actually cover?

    In England, the pass covers free travel on any local bus service during off-peak hours: from 9:30am to 11pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends and bank holidays. It does not cover trains, long-distance coaches, or trams — though some local councils offer enhanced schemes that add extra modes of transport, so it is worth checking what your area provides.

    In Scotland and Wales, there is no off-peak restriction — holders can travel at any time, including during the morning rush hour. This makes the Scottish and Welsh schemes notably more flexible for people who work part-time or have early morning commitments.

    One useful detail that many people miss: your English bus pass is accepted on most services in Scotland and Wales, and Scottish and Welsh passes generally work in England. If you are planning a trip away, check in advance with the specific operator — but for most journeys, the cross-border arrangement works smoothly.

    How do you apply for your free bus pass?

    You apply through your local council — not a central government body. Most councils now accept online applications, and the process is usually quick:

    • Go to GOV.UK and enter your postcode to find your local authority’s application page
    • You will need: a recent passport-style photo, proof of age (passport or birth certificate), and proof of address (a utility bill or council tax letter dated within the last 12 months)
    • You can apply up to a month before your qualifying birthday — it is worth doing this in advance so the pass arrives in time
    • Most applications take a few weeks to process, so do not leave it until the day you turn the qualifying age

    If you are renewing an existing pass, many councils handle this digitally and will send a reminder before it expires. If you have moved recently, contact your new local council — passes are issued by the area where you live, not where you originally applied.

    Where could your free bus pass actually take you this summer?

    This is the part that often surprises people. A free bus pass is not just for quick trips to the supermarket — with a little planning, it can open up a genuine range of days out that cost you nothing in fares.

    Because the England pass becomes valid at 9:30am, and most attractions open at 10am anyway, the off-peak restriction rarely gets in the way of a day trip. Using apps like Traveline (traveline.info) or Google Maps in “transit” mode, you can plan multi-bus journeys across county boundaries — connecting services to reach coastal towns, market towns, and heritage sites you might never have visited by car.

    Some ideas worth considering this summer:

    • A morning trip to a nearby market town — coffee, a browse, and back for lunch, all free
    • A coastal day out — many UK seaside towns are well served by local bus routes from the nearest train station or town centre
    • Garden visits and country parks — a surprising number of National Trust and English Heritage properties are reachable by bus, particularly in summer when extra services run
    • Visiting family or friends a county away — sometimes a combination of bus journeys is easier and cheaper than driving, especially if parking is difficult

    Key takeaways

    • In England, the free bus pass age is rising from 66 to 67 from April 2026 — check your exact qualifying date at GOV.UK
    • Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland still offer free travel from age 60 — with no off-peak restriction
    • You may qualify at any age if you have a qualifying disability
    • Apply through your local council — up to a month before your qualifying birthday
    • Your English pass is accepted on most services in Scotland and Wales too
  • What is a password manager — and could it stop your online accounts from being hacked?

    What is a password manager — and could it stop your online accounts from being hacked?

    A password manager stores all your login details in one secure, encrypted vault — so you only need to remember one master password. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre recommends them as one of the most effective ways to protect your online accounts. If you reuse the same password across multiple sites (as most people do), a password manager can significantly reduce your risk of being hacked.

    Why are so many online accounts getting broken into?

    Every year, hundreds of millions of usernames and passwords are stolen from websites and sold on the dark web. Criminals use lists of stolen passwords to try to log in to other sites automatically — a process known as “credential stuffing”. If you use the same password for your email, online banking, and shopping accounts, a breach at one site could unlock all of them.

    According to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for cybercrime, account takeover fraud is one of the fastest-growing types of online crime. The problem is rarely about hackers being especially clever — it is about people using the same simple, memorable passwords everywhere.

    What exactly does a password manager do?

    A password manager is an app or browser tool that stores all your usernames and passwords in an encrypted vault. When you visit a website, it automatically fills in your login details. You only need to remember one strong “master password” to unlock the vault — and the manager handles everything else.

    Most password managers can also:

    • Generate strong, random passwords for new accounts
    • Warn you if one of your passwords has appeared in a known data breach
    • Sync across your phone, tablet, and computer
    • Store other sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or your passport details

    The result is that every one of your accounts can have a different, strong password — without you needing to remember any of them.

    Which password manager should you choose?

    There are several good options, and the right one depends on what devices you use and how much you want to spend.

    Free options that work well:

    • Bitwarden — free, open-source, and widely recommended by security experts. Works on iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac. Considered one of the most trustworthy options available.
    • Apple Keychain — built into iPhones, iPads, and Macs. If you only use Apple devices, this is the simplest starting point — it is already there, costs nothing, and needs no extra setup.
    • Google Password Manager — built into Android phones and the Chrome browser. Easy to use if you are in the Google ecosystem.

    Paid options (typically £2–£4 per month):

    • 1Password — particularly popular for families and very easy to use
    • Dashlane — good interface, includes dark web monitoring as standard

    One manager worth approaching with caution is LastPass — it suffered significant data breaches in 2022 and 2023 that exposed encrypted user vaults. Security experts now generally recommend alternatives.

    How do you get started with a password manager?

    Getting started is simpler than it sounds. Here is a straightforward approach:

    1. Choose one — if you have an iPhone or iPad, try Apple Keychain first since it is already built in. If you use a mix of devices, try Bitwarden (free at bitwarden.com).
    2. Create your master password — make it long rather than complex. Three or four random words joined together (for example, “purple-kettle-mountain-seven”) are far harder to crack than a short string of symbols.
    3. Add your most important accounts first — start with your email, then your bank, then anything connected to finances or health.
    4. Let it generate new passwords gradually — when you next log in to a site and update your password, let the manager create a strong one for you. Over a few weeks, you will naturally migrate your most-used accounts.

    You do not need to change everything in one go. Even moving your email and banking passwords to a unique, strong option straight away gives you much better protection.

    Is it really safe to put all your passwords in one place?

    This is the question most people ask — and it is a fair one. The short answer is yes, provided you use a reputable password manager and choose a strong master password.

    Well-designed password managers encrypt your vault before it ever leaves your device. Even if the company’s servers were hacked, attackers would only get scrambled data that is useless without your master password. Your vault is protected by mathematics, not just trust.

    The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) — the UK government’s cybersecurity authority — explicitly recommends password managers in its guidance for individuals and small businesses. It notes that writing passwords in a notebook kept at home is actually safer than reusing weak passwords across websites. A password manager is simply a better, more practical version of that notebook.

    What else can you do to protect your accounts?

    A password manager is the single most effective step most people can take, but a few other habits make a real difference:

    • Turn on two-step verification (2FA) wherever possible — especially for email and banking. This means even if someone has your password, they still cannot get in without a code sent to your phone.
    • Keep your devices updated — software updates patch security holes that criminals exploit. When your phone prompts you to update, it is worth doing it promptly rather than dismissing it.
    • Protect your email above all else — your email is the master key to most of your other accounts, because it is used to reset passwords everywhere. Make it unique and strong.
    • Check if your details have already been leaked — visit haveibeenpwned.com (a free, trustworthy service run by a respected security researcher) and enter your email address to see if it has appeared in any known breaches.

    What is the key takeaway?

    A password manager is one of the most effective things you can do to protect yourself online — and you do not need to be technically minded to use one. Start with the free built-in option on your phone (Apple Keychain or Google Password Manager), or download Bitwarden for free. Even switching just your email and bank account to a unique, strong password this week is a meaningful step forward. The goal is not perfection — it is being harder to hack than you are today.

  • Are you eligible for free home insulation or a heating upgrade — and how do you apply before the deadline?

    Are you eligible for free home insulation or a heating upgrade — and how do you apply before the deadline?

    The Warm Homes Plan and ECO4 scheme offer free insulation and heating upgrades to millions of eligible UK homes in 2026. If you receive Pension Credit or another qualifying benefit — or your household income is below around £36,000 — you could receive loft, cavity wall, or solid wall insulation completely free of charge. ECO4 closes on 31 December 2026, so if you are eligible, now is the time to act.

    What is the Warm Homes Plan — and why does it matter?

    In January 2026, the government launched its Warm Homes Plan — a £15 billion programme to upgrade up to five million homes across the UK by 2030. The aim is to cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and help people live more comfortably in better-insulated homes.

    For people over 55, this is particularly significant. Older homes are often the least energy-efficient — many were built before any insulation standards existed — and people on fixed incomes feel the impact of high energy bills most acutely. The scheme recognises this, which is why people receiving Pension Credit and similar benefits are prioritised.

    What does ECO4 cover — and when does it close?

    ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) is the main government-backed scheme through which energy suppliers fund free home energy upgrades for eligible households. It was extended in 2026 and now runs until 31 December 2026 — after which no replacement scheme has yet been confirmed.

    Under ECO4, eligible homes can receive:

    • Loft insulation (one of the most cost-effective upgrades available)
    • Cavity wall insulation
    • Solid wall insulation (internal or external)
    • Air source heat pumps in some cases
    • Heating system upgrades where the primary heating is inefficient

    The cost of these works is paid by your energy supplier — not by you. A typical loft insulation job costs around £300–£600; solid wall insulation can run to £10,000 or more. Getting this funded is a genuinely significant benefit.

    Are you eligible for ECO4 — and what counts as a qualifying benefit?

    You are likely eligible for ECO4 if you receive any of the following:

    • Pension Credit (either Guarantee or Savings Credit)
    • Universal Credit
    • Income Support
    • Housing Benefit
    • Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
    • Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
    • Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)

    Even if you do not receive one of these benefits, your council may be able to refer you under what is called LA Flex — a local authority discretion scheme. Many councils include people aged 60 and over as a priority group, particularly if they are on a low income or have a health condition worsened by cold or damp housing. It is worth calling your council’s housing team to ask.

    What is the Warm Homes Local Grant — and how is it different from ECO4?

    Running alongside ECO4 is the Warm Homes: Local Grant, which works through your local council rather than your energy supplier. The eligibility criteria are slightly different — you may qualify if your household income is under £36,000 a year and your home has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G.

    If your home has not had an EPC assessment recently, you can check your current rating free of charge at find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk. The Local Grant can cover up to £15,000 worth of insulation works per home — a substantial sum that could transform how warm and affordable your home is to run.

    One important point: you do not need to own your home to apply. Both schemes are available to owner-occupiers and private renters — although for renters, your landlord will typically need to give consent for works to go ahead.

    How do you apply — and how long does it take?

    For ECO4, the first step is to contact your energy supplier directly. Ask whether they are currently accepting applications for your area. All major suppliers — including British Gas, EDF, E.ON, and Octopus Energy — participate in the scheme.

    For the Warm Homes Local Grant, you can apply via the government’s website at gov.uk or by calling 0800 098 7950 (free to call, including from mobiles). Your local council’s housing or energy team can also guide you through the process.

    Be aware that the process is not instant. From application to completed works typically takes 12 to 20 weeks in 2026, partly because demand is high and surveyors and installers are stretched. If you apply now, there is a good chance your works will be completed before winter — but do not leave it until October.

    What if you do not qualify for the free schemes — are there other options?

    If your income is above the ECO4 thresholds, you may still have options worth exploring:

    • Boiler Upgrade Scheme: If you want to replace a gas boiler with an air source heat pump, the government currently offers a grant of £7,500. This is available regardless of income — you apply through your installer.
    • Warm Home Discount: A £150 reduction off your electricity bill each winter. If you are on Pension Credit, this should be applied automatically — contact your supplier if it has not appeared.
    • Local authority grants: Some councils offer their own insulation or heating grants to residents over a certain age or with specific health conditions. It is worth checking your council’s website or calling their housing team.

    What should you do right now?

    Key takeaways

    • ECO4 closes on 31 December 2026 — if you think you may qualify, apply now rather than waiting
    • Pension Credit automatically qualifies you for ECO4 — if you are not yet claiming it, check your eligibility at gov.uk/pension-credit
    • Even without a qualifying benefit, your council may help via LA Flex — call your local council’s housing team to ask
    • The Warm Homes Local Grant covers up to £15,000 per home if your income is below £36,000 or your EPC rating is D or lower
    • Works take 12–20 weeks to complete — applying now gives you the best chance of being warmer by winter
  • Has the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit changed — and what does it mean for you?

    Has the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit changed — and what does it mean for you?

    Quick answer: From 6 April 2026, the earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance increased to £204 a week (after deductions) and the weekly payment rose to £86.45. If you provide at least 35 hours of unpaid care each week — looking after a spouse, parent, or other relative with long-term needs — this change may now open up your eligibility, or allow you to work a little more without losing the benefit.

    What is Carer’s Allowance and who is it for?

    Carer’s Allowance is a weekly government benefit for people who regularly provide substantial, unpaid care. It is one of the most commonly unclaimed benefits in the UK — millions of people who qualify have never applied, often because they do not think of themselves as “carers”. If you help a partner, parent, sibling, or friend manage daily life because of illness, disability, or age-related frailty, you may well qualify.

    You do not need to live with the person you care for, and they do not need to be related to you. The money is paid directly to you as the carer — not to the person receiving care. You need to be 16 or over, not in full-time education, and providing care for at least 35 hours a week.

    What changed in April 2026?

    Two important changes came into effect from 6 April 2026:

    • The weekly rate rose to £86.45 — up from £83.30, as part of the annual uprating of benefits in line with September’s inflation figure.
    • The earnings limit rose to £204 a week — up from £196. This is the maximum you can earn from paid work (after certain deductions) and still receive the allowance.

    The second change is arguably the more significant. The government also announced that from 2026 onwards, the earnings limit will be permanently linked to 16 hours at the National Living Wage. This means it should rise automatically each year as the minimum wage increases — a long-standing ask from carer organisations, who had argued for years that the old fixed limit forced people into impossible choices between working and caring.

    How is the earnings limit actually calculated?

    The £204 figure refers to your net earnings — not your gross pay. Before comparing your income to the limit, you are allowed to deduct:

    • Income Tax and National Insurance contributions
    • Half of any pension contributions you pay into a workplace or personal pension
    • Certain allowable expenses if you are self-employed
    • The cost of paying someone else to care for the person you support (or for a child), if that care enables you to work

    This means your gross pay could be noticeably higher than £204 and you could still qualify. For example, if you earn £250 a week gross but pay £30 in National Insurance and £25 into a pension, your assessable earnings would fall to around £207.50 — close enough that further deductions could bring you under the threshold. It is worth working through the full calculation, or asking a free benefits adviser to do it with you.

    One important warning: the earnings limit operates as a hard “cliff edge”. If your net earnings are £203.99 you receive the full £86.45 a week. If they are £204.01, you receive nothing — there is no gradual reduction. This makes it especially important to track your earnings carefully, particularly if your hours vary from week to week.

    Are there any tax implications to be aware of?

    Yes — and this is something many carers overlook. Carer’s Allowance counts as taxable income. If you also receive earnings from work, a private pension, or other taxable income, Carer’s Allowance adds around £4,500 a year to your total — which could tip you above your personal tax allowance of £12,570.

    If you are employed, HMRC will normally adjust your tax code automatically. If you are self-employed or have multiple income sources, you may need to declare Carer’s Allowance on a Self Assessment tax return. If you are unsure whether it affects your tax position, Citizens Advice offers free, impartial help and can walk you through the numbers.

    What other support can carers claim alongside Carer’s Allowance?

    Claiming Carer’s Allowance can unlock access to additional support that many people never hear about:

    • Carer’s Credit — if you earn above the threshold or do not qualify for Carer’s Allowance for other reasons, Carer’s Credit protects your National Insurance record so that years spent caring do not create gaps in your State Pension entitlement.
    • Pension Credit carer addition — if the person you care for receives Attendance Allowance, the daily living component of PIP, or the care component of DLA, and you receive Carer’s Allowance, you may qualify for an extra £45.60 a week added to your Pension Credit. This alone can make a significant difference to a household income.
    • Council Tax discount — some local councils offer a reduction for unpaid carers. Rules vary between areas, so contact your local council to ask.
    • A free carer’s assessment — under the Care Act 2014, you have a legal right to ask your local council for a carer’s assessment. This is separate from any financial benefit and can lead to practical support: respite breaks, equipment, help at home, or just someone to talk to about your situation.

    What if you are over State Pension age?

    Once you reach State Pension age, you cannot usually receive Carer’s Allowance as a cash payment if your State Pension equals or exceeds the Carer’s Allowance rate — the two are “overlapping benefits” and cannot both be paid in full at once. Even so, it is still worth applying. A claim establishes an underlying entitlement, which can unlock the Carer’s Addition in Pension Credit — worth up to £45.60 extra a week in 2026/27 if you already receive Pension Credit. Many older carers miss out simply by assuming they are too old to claim, so if you are at or over State Pension age and caring for 35 or more hours a week, it is worth checking with Carers UK or a benefits adviser.

    How do you apply for Carer’s Allowance?

    You can apply online at gov.uk/carers-allowance or by calling the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 (free from landlines and most mobiles, Monday to Friday). Before you apply, it helps to have:

    • Your National Insurance number
    • The National Insurance number of the person you care for
    • Details of your earnings (payslips or recent bank statements)
    • The reference number for any disability benefit the cared-for person receives (Attendance Allowance, PIP, or DLA)

    You can also claim Carer’s Allowance backdated for up to three months if you were eligible during that time. If you have been caring for someone for a while and never claimed, it is always worth checking — you may be owed money.

    Key takeaways

    • From April 2026, Carer’s Allowance pays £86.45 a week and the net earnings limit is £204 a week.
    • The earnings limit is now permanently linked to 16 hours at the National Living Wage, so it should rise automatically each April.
    • Deductions for tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and care costs can reduce your assessable earnings — you may qualify even if your gross pay looks too high.
    • Watch out for the cliff edge: a single penny over the limit removes the entire payment with no taper.
    • Carer’s Allowance is taxable income — check whether it affects your tax bill.
    • Claiming may also unlock a Pension Credit top-up of £45.60 a week, Carer’s Credit, and the right to a free carer’s assessment from your council.
  • How does the rise in state pension age to 67 affect your retirement plans?

    How does the rise in state pension age to 67 affect your retirement plans?

    Quick answer: If you were born on or after 6 March 1961, your state pension age is now 67 — meaning you cannot claim until your 67th birthday. If you were born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961, your pension age falls somewhere between 66 and 67 depending on your exact date of birth. If you were born before 6 April 1960, you are unaffected. The full new State Pension from April 2026 is £241.30 per week.

    What has actually changed about the state pension age in 2026?

    From 6 April 2026, the UK government began increasing the state pension age from 66 to 67. This rise is being phased in gradually over two years, completing on 5 March 2028. It was set out in the Pensions Act 2014 and has been on the calendar for over a decade — but 2026 is the year it actually starts to affect real people.

    The change affects everyone born on or after 6 April 1960. If you are currently in your early-to-mid 60s and had been expecting to claim your state pension at 66, this is the change you need to understand.

    When will you personally reach state pension age?

    Your state pension age depends entirely on your date of birth. Here is a straightforward guide:

    • Born before 6 April 1960: Your state pension age is 66. You are either already receiving it or will reach it on your 66th birthday. This change does not affect you.
    • Born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961: You are in a transitional period. Your pension age is between 66 and 67, rising by roughly one month for every month your birthday falls later in this window.
    • Born on or after 6 March 1961: Your state pension age is now 67. You cannot claim until your 67th birthday.

    The quickest way to find your exact pension age is the official GOV.UK checker at gov.uk/state-pension-age. Enter your date of birth and it shows you the exact date you will reach state pension age. It takes about 30 seconds and removes all guesswork.

    How much will the new State Pension pay from April 2026?

    The full new State Pension rose to £241.30 per week from April 2026 — a 4.8% increase, in line with the government’s triple lock guarantee (which raises the state pension each year by whichever is highest: inflation, earnings growth, or 2.5%). Over a full year, that comes to roughly £12,547.

    To receive the full amount you need 35 qualifying years on your National Insurance (NI) record. You need at least 10 qualifying years to receive anything at all. A qualifying year is one in which you paid NI contributions, received NI credits (for example as a carer or while claiming certain benefits), or made voluntary top-up contributions.

    You can view your NI record and get a personal state pension forecast at gov.uk/check-state-pension. If you have gaps in your record, it is worth checking whether paying voluntary Class 3 NI contributions to fill them would be worthwhile — in many cases it is, and you can buy back years going as far back as 2006.

    What should you do if you now have to wait an extra year?

    If the rise to 67 means a longer wait than you had planned, it is worth reviewing your finances now rather than leaving it to the last minute. A few practical steps:

    • Check your workplace or personal pension: You can currently access most private pensions from age 55 (this minimum rises to 57 in April 2028). A pension pot built up over a career can help bridge the gap to state pension age.
    • Consider flexible or part-time work: Moving to fewer hours rather than stopping entirely can make the transition much more manageable — both financially and in terms of social wellbeing.
    • Use your ISA savings wisely: Withdrawals from a Cash or Stocks and Shares ISA are completely tax-free, making them a tax-efficient way to fund the gap years before your state pension begins.
    • Get free, impartial guidance: If you are over 50 with a personal or workplace pension, you are entitled to a free Pension Wise appointment through the government-backed MoneyHelper service — book at moneyhelper.org.uk or call 0800 138 3944.

    Could you be entitled to Pension Credit you are not claiming?

    Pension Credit remains one of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK. An estimated 880,000 eligible households are not receiving it — many simply do not know they qualify, or assume their savings disqualify them (they do not).

    From April 2026, Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to at least £238.00 if you are single, or £363.25 if you have a partner. Claiming it also acts as a gateway to a range of other support: help with rent through Housing Benefit, a Council Tax reduction, free NHS dental treatment and sight tests, and — if you are over 75 — a free TV licence.

    There is no upper savings limit that bars you from claiming. However, savings above £10,000 are assumed to generate a notional income that reduces your award. Check your eligibility at gov.uk/pension-credit, or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (free from most phones, Monday to Friday 8am–6pm).

    Will the state pension age keep rising beyond 67?

    The government has previously proposed a further rise to age 68, scheduled for sometime between 2044 and 2046. An independent review was commissioned to consider whether this should be brought forward — though as of 2026 no confirmed decision has been made.

    For people currently in their late 50s and early 60s, it can feel as though the goalposts keep shifting. The practical response is to plan rather than worry: review your NI record, understand what your private pension or savings will provide, and know which benefits and services you are entitled to as you approach retirement. The earlier you do this, the more options you have available to you.

    What are the key things to remember?

    • The state pension age is rising from 66 to 67, phased in from April 2026 to March 2028.
    • If you were born on or after 6 March 1961, your pension age is now 67.
    • Check your exact pension age and NI record at gov.uk/state-pension-age and gov.uk/check-state-pension.
    • The full new State Pension from April 2026 is £241.30 per week — you need 35 qualifying NI years for the full amount.
    • Pension Credit can top up your income and unlock housing, dental, and other support — call 0800 99 1234 to find out if you qualify.
    • Free retirement guidance is available through MoneyHelper at moneyhelper.org.uk or 0800 138 3944.
  • How do you use the NHS App to check and manage your hospital appointments?

    How do you use the NHS App to check and manage your hospital appointments?

    Quick answer: Since April 2026, hospital patients at every NHS trust in England can view their referrals and upcoming appointments directly in the NHS App on their smartphone or tablet. In many cases you can also reschedule or cancel — without having to phone anyone. You need to be registered with a GP surgery and have an NHS login to get started.

    What has changed since April 2026?

    Until recently, most people had no way to check the status of a hospital referral unless they phoned the hospital or waited for a letter. That has now changed. NHS England completed a rollout in April 2026 that means around 64% of all hospital appointments across every trust in England are now visible in the NHS App — and more are being added every month.

    This is a significant shift. If your GP refers you to a specialist, you can now open the app and see where your referral is in the system, which hospital you have been referred to, and — if you have a directly bookable appointment — choose your preferred time slot without waiting for a phone call or letter. For people who manage long-term conditions and see multiple specialists, this can save hours of time and a great deal of anxiety.

    Who can use the appointments feature?

    To view your hospital appointments and referrals in the NHS App you need to be 16 or over and registered with a GP practice in England. You will also need an NHS login — a free account you set up with your email address and a form of photo ID. Once your identity is verified (usually within a few minutes using a smartphone camera), you have access to all the app’s features.

    You do not need the latest smartphone. The NHS App works on most Android and Apple devices, and there is also a website version at nhs.uk/nhs-app if you prefer to use a laptop or desktop computer. If you cannot get online at all, you can still manage referrals by calling 119 or the number on your appointment letter.

    How do you find your appointments in the app?

    Once you are logged in, tap Appointments from the home screen. This shows you:

    • Any upcoming hospital or specialist appointments
    • Referrals that are awaiting booking — where you are on a waiting list
    • GP appointments you have booked through the app
    • Notifications about changes, reminders, or documents to complete before your visit

    For referrals made through the NHS e-Referral Service (which most GP referrals now are), you may be asked to choose your hospital and time slot directly in the app. You pick from a list of clinics your GP has selected as appropriate, then choose a specific date and time that suits you. Once confirmed, it becomes a booked appointment in the system.

    One practical tip: set up notifications in the app settings so you receive a reminder a few days before your appointment. You will also be alerted if anything changes — for example if a clinic moves location or your appointment is rescheduled by the hospital.

    Can you reschedule or cancel through the app?

    Yes — for many appointments, you can request to reschedule or cancel directly within the app, without having to phone the hospital and wait on hold. This applies mainly to your first appointment for a given referral. If you need to change a follow-up appointment, you will usually need to contact the hospital directly, as follow-ups are managed by the department rather than the central booking system.

    If you do need to cancel, please do so as early as possible. NHS outpatient appointments that are cancelled late or missed without notice cost the health service around £160 each — and a prompt cancellation means the slot can be offered to someone else on the waiting list.

    What do you do if your appointment is not showing?

    Not all appointments are visible in the app yet — around a third are still managed through hospital-specific systems that are not yet integrated. If you cannot see an expected appointment, here is what to check:

    • Wait 24 hours after your GP referral. It can take a day for the referral to appear in the system.
    • Check your NHS login email. Some trusts send a separate email with a link to their own patient portal rather than using the app’s built-in appointments section.
    • Check the NHS App’s messages section. Some trusts send appointment details as messages within the app rather than in the appointments tab.
    • Call the hospital or 119. If you have waited more than two weeks after a GP referral and cannot see anything, contact the hospital’s booking team directly. Have your NHS number to hand — it is shown on the app’s home screen.

    What else can you do with the NHS App while you are there?

    The appointments feature is just one part of what the NHS App can do. Once you have it set up, it is worth knowing about:

    • Prescription requests: Order repeat prescriptions and see when they are ready for collection, without phoning the surgery.
    • Test results: View blood test and other results as soon as your GP has reviewed and shared them — often faster than waiting for a call.
    • GP health record: See your summary of conditions, medications, allergies, and vaccinations.
    • NHS 111 online: Get advice for non-emergency symptoms without calling, and be referred directly to out-of-hours services if needed.

    Setting up the NHS App takes around 10 to 15 minutes, and you only need to verify your identity once. Many people find that after a short initial setup, it removes the need for a significant number of phone calls and letters every year.

    Key takeaways

    • Since April 2026, hospital appointments and referrals are visible in the NHS App at every trust in England.
    • You can view, and in many cases reschedule or cancel, your first appointment without phoning the hospital.
    • You need an NHS login (free, takes about 15 minutes to set up) and to be registered with a GP in England.
    • If your appointment is not showing, wait 24 hours, then check your email and the app’s messages tab before calling.
    • The app also handles repeat prescriptions, test results, and your GP health record — worth exploring once you are set up.
  • What does the biggest change to UK wills law in nearly 200 years mean for you?

    What does the biggest change to UK wills law in nearly 200 years mean for you?

    The Law Commission’s major overhaul of UK wills law — the first since the Wills Act 1837 — is before the government right now, with a response expected in May 2026. Key proposals include electronic wills, remote witnessing, and stronger protection against pressure and manipulation. Nothing has changed in law yet, but here is what you need to know and whether you need to act.

    Why is UK wills law changing after nearly 200 years?

    The law that governs how you make a will in England and Wales — the Wills Act 1837 — was written in the reign of Queen Victoria. At the time, there were no telephones, let alone smartphones. Yet those same rules still govern how you must sign your will, who must witness it, and what happens if something goes wrong.

    In May 2025, the Law Commission — the independent body that reviews and modernises UK law — published its long-awaited final report, Modernising Wills Law, along with a complete draft Bill to replace the 1837 Act entirely. It is described as the most comprehensive overhaul of wills legislation in nearly two centuries. The government’s formal response was expected by May 2026, making this one of the most significant legal developments for anyone planning their estate right now.

    The review was partly triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced emergency changes to allow wills to be witnessed over video call. That temporary experiment worked, and it raised a broader question: why is so much of our wills law still rooted in the Victorian era?

    What are the main changes being proposed?

    The Law Commission’s proposals cover several areas that are directly relevant to you:

    • Electronic wills — you would be able to create and sign a will digitally, provided it is stored on a regulated, certified platform that meets strict security standards.
    • Remote witnessing — witnessing your will via video call would become permanently legal, not just a pandemic emergency measure.
    • Stronger protection against undue influence — new rules would make it easier for courts to set aside a will if there is evidence that someone was pressured or manipulated into changing it.
    • New duties on will-writers — solicitors preparing a will would have formal obligations to check for signs of coercion or lack of mental capacity, rather than simply taking instructions and moving on.
    • Tighter rules on gifts to carers — the reform would introduce closer oversight when someone leaves a significant gift to a person who has been looking after them, to reduce the risk of exploitation.

    These are proposals, not law. The government must introduce and pass a new Wills Act through Parliament before any of this takes effect — which could take a year or more beyond its initial response.

    Will electronic wills be safe and trustworthy?

    This is one of the most common questions — and it is a fair one. The short answer is: only if the government gets the detail right.

    The Law Commission’s proposal is not that you could simply type your wishes into an email and call it a will. Electronic wills would need to be created and stored on a certified, regulated platform — similar to how electronic signatures are already used for property transactions and legal contracts in the UK. The platform would be responsible for maintaining the integrity of the document and preventing unauthorised changes.

    Many legal professionals have raised concerns that digital formats could make it easier for someone to secretly alter a will. The draft Bill includes specific anti-tampering rules, but critics argue the safeguards will only work as well as the technology and regulation behind them.

    For now, a traditional paper will — signed by you in ink, in the presence of two independent witnesses who also sign — remains the gold standard. There is no need to rush to switch to an electronic will, even once the law eventually allows it.

    How would the new rules protect you from pressure or manipulation?

    One of the most important — and underreported — parts of the reform is its focus on protecting people from undue influence. This matters enormously for anyone who is widowed, in poor health, or relying on family members or carers for day-to-day support.

    Under the current law, proving that someone was pressured into changing their will is extraordinarily difficult. You must show that the influence was so overwhelming it effectively substituted someone else’s wishes for your own — a very high legal bar that few families can meet.

    The proposed new law would lower that bar. Courts would be able to look at the wider picture: the relationship between the person and those who benefit, whether they had independent legal advice, whether the will was prepared privately — and make a fairer judgment based on all the circumstances.

    There would also be new duties on will-writing solicitors to flag concerns proactively. If a solicitor senses that a client is being steered toward a particular decision, they would be required to act on that concern rather than simply completing the paperwork.

    Do you need to update your existing will because of these changes?

    Not because of these reforms specifically. The Wills Act 1837 remains in force until Parliament passes a replacement, and your current will — properly signed and witnessed under the existing rules — is completely valid. You do not need to take any action simply because reforms are being discussed.

    That said, there are good independent reasons to review your will periodically:

    • You have married, divorced, or been widowed since writing it (marriage automatically revokes a will in England and Wales)
    • A beneficiary or executor named in your will has died
    • Your financial situation has changed significantly — property, business, inheritance
    • You have had children or grandchildren you would like to include
    • Your relationship with a named executor or guardian has changed

    Most solicitors recommend reviewing your will every three to five years, or after any major life event. A review does not mean rewriting — it may simply confirm that your current wishes still stand.

    What if you haven’t made a will yet — should you do it now?

    If you do not have a will, the answer is almost certainly yes — and there is no good reason to wait for new legislation.

    Without a will, your estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy — a rigid legal formula that may have nothing to do with your actual wishes. If you are not married to your partner, they could receive nothing at all, even if you have been together for decades. Stepchildren are not automatically included. Long-term friends or carers you wanted to remember may receive nothing.

    A straightforward will typically costs around £150–£300 with a solicitor for a single will, or £200–£500 for a mirror will written alongside a partner. Age UK (call 0800 678 1602) can help you find free or low-cost will-writing services in your area. Many solicitors also participate in Will Aid each November — a scheme where they waive their fee in exchange for a suggested donation to charity.

    Waiting for the new Wills Act is not a sensible reason to delay. A will made today is just as legally binding — and your family will have the clarity and peace of mind that comes with knowing your wishes are recorded and protected.

    Key takeaways

    • The Law Commission’s proposed new Wills Act is the biggest shake-up to wills law in nearly 200 years — the government’s response is expected in May 2026.
    • Proposed changes include electronic wills, remote witnessing, and much stronger protection against pressure and manipulation — but nothing has changed in law yet.
    • Your existing will is still completely valid. Review it if you have had a major life change in the past three to five years.
    • If you do not have a will, make one now — do not wait. The rules of intestacy may not reflect your wishes at all.
    • For free guidance and signposting to local services, contact Age UK on 0800 678 1602 or visit your nearest Citizens Advice.