The Icelandic star reflects on a phenomenal year, and the music video that let her go “primal”.
All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Martyn Jones.
From Tuesday (May 5), Coupon Plus will no longer be available in the supermarket’s app.
Instead, it will be replaced by Lidl Plus Points.
However, due to this “new way to save”, existing Coupon Plus customers have until Monday (May 4) to hit their April 2026 spend targets.
Lidl axes popular Coupon Plus on supermarket’s app
In an email to Lidl Plus customers, the supermarket said: “As a Lidl Plus customer, we’re just letting you know about some important changes.
“From Tuesday 5 May, a new way to earn rewards with Lidl Plus begins.
“This means Coupons Plus ends on Monday 4 May and will no longer be available in the Lidl Plus app after this date.
“You have until Monday 4 May to reach your April Coupon Plus targets.
“There will be no change to Personalised Coupons and Weekly Offers.
“Any existing coupons that you have will be valid until the date shown on the coupon.”
It added: “You don’t need to do anything. Your Lidl Plus app will update with these changes automatically.”
Lidl’s Coupon Plus was a way for customers to receive rewards throughout the month, often free items (including bakery treats, vegetables, chocolate, nuts) when reaching certain spend targets, such as £10, £50 and £100.
How will new Lidl Plus Points work? What customers need to know
On its website, Lidl details: “Starting Tuesday 5 May, a new way to save will land in your Lidl Plus app!
“From the big shops to the small, now every time you shop and scan your Lidl Plus app, you will be able to collect points that can be spent on 100s of rewards in our Rewards Marketplace.
“Turn points into possibilities! From coupons for free products to money off your next shop, it’s up to you what you spend your Lidl Plus Points on.”
Customers can make the most of Lidl Plus Points by following the below steps:
- Step one – shop and scan the Lidl Plus app at checkout
- Step two – collect Lidl Plus points with every purchase (£1 = one point)
- Step three – enter the Rewards Marketplace on the Lidl Plus app and choose from 100 awards or money-off coupons
- Step four – exchange points to receive a coupon (activate your coupons before you use them)
Lidl will also be celebrating the launch of the new loyalty scheme by allowing shoppers to get double points on all fresh fruit between May 5 and May 22.
Additionally, consumers will be able to receive 100 welcome points from May 5 to July 31.
Lidl explains: “Open the app, click ‘Start now’ and follow the instructions to collect 100 points.
“That’s a FREE product worth up to 100 points in our Rewards Marketplace!”
Louise Weise, chief customer officer at Lidl GB, told The Sun: “We’ve done a big piece of work to listen to customers and it was clear from the feedback that they wanted more freedom to decide the rewards that suit them.”
On Reddit, customers have been reacting to the axing of Coupon Plus, with many saying they will miss the “free big bag” of potatoes.
Referring to the current rewards set-up, someone commented: “So sad the coupons and freebies are going away.”
Another wrote: “I believe it may be changing next month which is sad, I loved the free big bag of tatties.”
This person shared: “That’s sad to hear, free sack of spuds each month was a big help with the cost of living.”
Recommended reading:
Meanwhile, a shopper put: “Best supermarket loyalty scheme for the type and amount of shopping I do.”
You can find more information about Lidl’s new Plus Points loyalty scheme on the supermarket’s website.
Newsquest has contacted Lidl for comment.
What do you think of Lidl Plus Points replacing Coupon Plus? Let us know in the comments below.
This amazing 33p superfood is hiding in plain sight in your fridge (Image: Getty)
In the pursuit of better health, adults are increasingly shelling out on expensive protein bars, powders and supplements, but experts say one of the most powerful and affordable options has been sitting in our kitchens all along. Averaging 33p each, eggs are being hailed as a “superfood” that can rival far pricier health trends, offering a rich source of protein, vitamins and essential nutrients without the premium price tag.
According to research from nutrition and food-tracking app MyFitnessPal, UK users logged 63.5 million eggs in a year, with 70% of men and women recording them as part of their daily intake. Despite their popularity, they are often misunderstood, particularly over cholesterol. Melissa Jaeger, Head of Nutrition at the app, says outdated advice has unfairly damaged their reputation.
“This misconception led to eggs being blamed for various health issues, including contributing to heart disease risk,” she says. “However, research has clarified that the type of fat – specifically saturated and trans fats – not the dietary cholesterol found in eggs, has a greater impact on heart health and our cholesterol levels.”
Read more: I’m a doctor — swap this item from your Sunday roast to cut heart attack risk
Read more: Full list of side effects as urgent UK recall issued for popular medication
Egg and avocado on toast is a healthy meal (Image: Getty)
New research is positive
Emerging research paints a far more positive picture. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating two eggs per day as part of a low saturated fat diet was linked to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it can contribute to plaque build-up in arteries.
For Melissa, the issue has never been the egg itself, but what we eat alongside it. “The real issue has always been what we pair eggs with, not the eggs themselves,” she says.
Nutritionally, eggs punch well above their weight. They are considered a “complete protein”, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids the body cannot produce on its own, making them particularly valuable for muscle repair, immune support and overall health.
“Think of amino acids as building blocks for protein,” Melissa says. “They’re involved in numerous bodily functions from building muscle to supporting your immune system, digestive system and hormone production.”
The affordable powerhouse
According to Kelly Fisher, Clinical Health Educator and Nurse Practitioner at Benenden Health, eggs deliver an impressive nutritional profile in a small, affordable format.
“Eggs are a powerhouse when it comes to health benefits,” she says. “They are full of vitamins A, D, B2 and B12, packed with protein and low in saturated fat.”
Protein is essential for overall health, playing a crucial role in repairing and building tissues, supporting brain function, aiding digestion and maintaining a strong immune system. “It is often described as the building blocks of the body,” Kelly says.
“We need protein to repair and build tissue, maintain brain structure, transport nutrients around the body and support a healthy immune system.” A single medium egg contains around 6.4g of protein, making it an easy way to contribute towards daily intake. For context, adults are advised to consume roughly 0.75g of protein per kilogram of body weight – around 45g per day for women and 55g for men.
Children’s needs vary depending on age, while those who exercise regularly may require more. Kelly recommends including a source of protein at every meal – and eggs offer a particularly versatile option.
“They can be used at any mealtime and are not just for breakfast,” she says. “They also work well as a snack.” For busy households, they offer practical benefits. Hard boiled eggs can be stored in the fridge for up to seven days if kept in their shells, making them ideal for meal prep. In short, eggs provide a convenient, nutrient-dense way to support both physical and mental health, without the need for expensive alternatives.
The ‘prefect protein package’ (Image: Getty)
Key role
Eggs are also a natural source of preformed vitamin A, which the body can use immediately. This plays a key role in supporting vision and maintaining a healthy immune system. Despite these benefits, consumption habits vary across the UK. Middle-aged men, particularly those aged 45-54, are the biggest egg consumers, logging more eggs per week than any other demographic.
At the other end of the spectrum, just half of women aged 18-24 report eating eggs regularly. This gap suggests that while eggs are widely available, their benefits may not be fully understood by younger consumers, many of whom are instead turning to trend-led protein products. Tracking daily meals with MyFitnessPal can help users see how foods like eggs contribute to their protein and overall nutrient intake and identify where saturated fat may be creeping into their diet.
With the cost of living a concern for many households, eggs offer a simple, cost-effective solution. “Eggs can absolutely be part of a heart-healthy diet,” continues Melissa. “The key is understanding that our health isn’t dictated by one food but rather the totality of our diet and lifestyle.”
She recommends pairing eggs with fibre-rich, nutrient-dense foods such as wholegrain toast, avocado, beans, vegetables or fresh fruit to create balanced meals. “Scrambled eggs are one of my favourites because you can easily add vegetables for a protein and fibre-filled combination,” she says. “Boiled eggs are perfect for salads or on-the-go snacks.”
The perfect match
When it comes to getting the most from eggs, Melissa Jaeger says it’s all about smart pairings. Rather than serving eggs alongside foods high in saturated fat, she recommends combining them with fibre-rich ingredients to create balanced, nutrient-dense meals. Her top three easy pairings include:
1. Veg-loaded scrambled eggs
Scramble eggs with spinach, mushrooms and peppers for a quick, protein and fibre-rich breakfast that supports energy levels and digestion.
2. Egg and avocado toast
Serve poached or boiled eggs on wholegrain toast with smashed avocado for a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats and slow-release carbohydrates.
3. Simple egg salad bowl
Combine boiled eggs with mixed leaves, beans, tomatoes and a light dressing for an easy lunch that delivers protein alongside essential vitamins and fibre. Melissa also recommends eating the whole egg to maximise nutritional benefits. The egg white is higher in protein but don’t overlook the yolk and its important vitamins and minerals,.
Her final tip is to keep things simple. “Boiled eggs are one of the easiest ways to add protein to your day, whether that’s sliced on to a salad or eaten as a quick snack on the go.”
Fried eggs aren’t necessarily the healthiest way of consuming them… (Image: Getty/iStockphoto)
Importantly, both parts provide benefits
“While the white is higher in protein and lower in calories, the yolk contains protein plus valuable vitamins and minerals,” she adds. “I recommend eating the whole egg and pairing it with a source of fibre for a more balanced meal.”
As shoppers look for smarter ways to eat well without overspending, the message from experts is clear: sometimes the simplest options are still the best.
Eggs are often described as a “perfect protein package” and, from a medical perspective, there’s good reason why.
Shakira performed her greatest hits to a vast crowd at a free concert on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night.
About two million people came to watch the Colombian pop-star perform, according to a social media post by Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere.
However, BBC Verify analysis of a previous 2025 Lady Gaga concert on Copacabana beach found these crowd numbers are likely inflated.
The ‘Todo Mundo no Rio’ mega-concert was funded by the city in an effort to revitalise the the local economy, with officials estimating the event would generate approximately R$800 million (£118m) for Brazil.
Benefit payment rates recently increased
Changes to the DWP system could result in thousands of Universal Credit claimants receiving an extra £28 payment. The scheme is already running in specific regions, with the potential for nationwide rollout across the UK.
Policy experts recently addressed the Work and Pensions Committee regarding measures to combat child poverty. One proposal put forward by the representatives was to extend the Scottish Child Payment scheme. This scheme provides £28.20 weekly to those on qualifying benefits for each child under 16 in their care.
The payments are issued every four weeks, meaning claimants receive £112.80 each four-week payment cycle for each child. Only one individual can receive the payment for a specific child.
Claiming this extra support does not impact any other UK or Scottish Government benefits you receive, nor those received by other members of your household.
Those on Universal Credit and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) are eligible to claim the additional payment. You may also qualify if you are a single claimant receiving any of these benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
If your partner is named on any of the above three benefits while you are not, your partner can apply for the payment.
‘Very effective’
Edward McPherson, senior consultant at policy consultancy group WPI Economics, told the committee that the payment has been effective as it has “demonstrably reduced child poverty rates in Scotland”. He said it could also have a positive impact if it were expanded across the UK.
The expert said: “When you model an extension of that to the UK, it is very effective as well.” Many benefit payment rates increased in April.
The standard allowance for Universal Credit has increased to:
- Claimants single and under 25 – £338.58
- Claimants single and 25 or over – £424.90
- Claimants living with a partner and you’re both under 25 – 528.34
- Claimants living with a partner and either of you are 25 or over – £666.97.
You can also get an additional £303.94 monthly for each child living with you. This represents a recent policy shift, as the support was formerly capped at your first two children, but now applies to every child in your care, regardless of your family size.
It’s also worth checking your eligibility for Child Benefit, which provides £27.05 weekly for your eldest or only child, and £17.90 weekly for each additional child. Once either you or your partner individually earns above £60,000, you’ll need to repay a portion of your claim.
The repayment amount rises in line with your personal income. You have to pay back the full sum once your annual earnings reach £80,000.
TAJ MAHAL & THE PHANTOM BLUES BAND
Time (Resonatin’)
At 83 years old, Taj Mahal is still making music with his unmistakable, unrefined air of effortlessness. Nominally a bluesman, Taj Mahal creates music in a magical way that dissolves perceived barriers between roots reggae, soul and, of course, the blues.
The title track is actually the debut recording of a Bill Withers piece, and is the highlight of this enjoyable set, with its lazy acoustic guitar riff and ruminative vocals. David ‘Ziggy’ Marley makes a nice guest appearance on father Bob’s Talkin’ Blues, highlighting the impact of Jamaican music on Taj Mahal and his own importance to the development and understanding of reggae.
Elsewhere, the material is a little light and the playing a little too ragged to make much of a lasting impression. The man himself oozes style and substance, but the Phantom Blues Band, who provide the backing, could tighten up the screws to contrast with their frontman’s easygoing style.
words JOHN-PAUL DAVIES
These are everyday foods you’ve already got at home.
A world-renowned physician and researcher specialising in cancer and the connection between diet and health has identified five common foods that can help combat cancer and reduce your risk of death. Dr William Li told the Zoe podcast that microscopic cancer cells develop in all of our bodies “as a matter of course” but that most are “harmless” because our bodies possess their own natural defences to tackle them.
However, when our bodies’ “shields are down”, we face a greater risk of those cancer cells developing into something far more serious. Dr Li explained: “When cancers take off and become deadly, it’s really because our health defences, the very things that are designed to protect us against these growths, actually fail us. They’re weakened or they’re absent.”
In particular, said Dr Li, “these little microscopic cancer cells love inflammation”.
He continued: “It’s kind of like pouring gasoline onto the embers of a fire. If you put inflammation around these guys, they love to start growing faster. This is the very reason why lowering inflammation actually decreases your risk of cancer very fundamentally. [If] you want to tip the odds in your favour, you want to lower inflammation.”
Dr Li illustrated his point by highlighting two causes of cancer that most people are familiar with: sunburn and smoking. He said: “You get a sunburn, you get inflammation. We know the skin gets red. Blisters. It’s terrible. That’s inflammation. You do that over and over and over again. That radiation from the sun is mutating the cells, you keep on burning yourself, you’re setting out inflammation. That’s how a small microscopic, abnormal skin cell that turns cancerous can suddenly become a melanoma or a non-melanoma skin cancer.”
Elaborating on why smoking triggers cancer, he said: “You’re putting toxins into your lungs, exposing these really fragile normal lung cells. The toxins will cause DNA damage. Good news is that we’ll fix a lot of the DNA damage, we’ll clean out some of those damaged cells. Now you keep on smoking. And… the toxins cause that lung to be quite inflamed. Now you’ve got a normal cell that became abnormal. Non-inflamed lung tissue becomes inflamed tissue. And this is really that connection between smoking and lung cancer that can occur.”
5 foods that are best for fighting cancer
Dr Li outlined five foods that he believes are particularly effective at combating cancer. However, he was keen to clarify: “It’s not the food fighting the cancer. I want to clarify that. It’s what we put into our body that prompts our body to rear up and fortify its health defences.”
1. Soy
Dr Li said: “A study called the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study looked at 5,000 women who are at the highest risk for breast cancer. Why? Because they already had breast cancer. Super high risk. And they found that those women who consumed the most soy, about a cup of soy milk a day, 10 grams of soy protein a day, had a 30% decreased risk of dying of their breast cancer.
“Social media is filled with sceptics. They’re like ‘Well, you just cherry pick this one study’. Well, I could name 14 consecutive studies looking at soy intake and breast cancer. And in every single case, higher consumption of soy did not increase mortality. Rather, higher consumption of soy decreased mortality, decreased the risk of death.”
2. Tomatoes
Dr Li said: “Tomatoes are an incredible source of an anti-inflammatory bioactive, vitamin C, great for hydration. They are packed with carotenoids that are very important and useful for healthy ageing, healthy vision. And one of those carotenoids, a natural compound called lycopene, has been studied and it has a powerful cancer starving effect.
“What we’ve known for years is that lycopene can cut off the blood supply feeding cancer. And so [researchers] looked at lycopene intake and prostate cancer and found that those men in this study who had two to three servings of cooked tomatoes per week had a 30% decreased risk of developing prostate cancer.
“Now, the other thing that’s interesting is if only a 30% lower risk, some people did develop prostate cancer. They dug into those people as well. Those people who ate more cooked tomatoes and had prostate cancer had less aggressive, less vascularized, less blood vessel fed cancers. So it’s a pretty tight connection between eating tomatoes and a lower risk of prostate cancer.”
3. Apples
“Turns out that there is a potent bioactive polyphenol in apples called chlorogenic acid,” said Dr Li. “It is a super-potent anti-inflammatory substance found in the flesh of apples that when we eat it, really helps to lower our inflammatory biomarkers. And the fibre in apple feeds our gut microbiome, which then produces the short chain fatty acids that further lower inflammation.”
4. Berries
Dr Li highlighted that “the common denominator” found in berries such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries were the anthocyanins, which are responsible for their vibrant colour and also act as powerful antioxidants.
“They’re good for cardiovascular,” said Dr Li. “But they also cut off the blood supply to cancers. They’re also incredible antioxidants to protect DNA from damage. And also there is fibre in berries… [Raspberries] are pound for pound the most fibre rich berry food out there, and it feeds the gut microbiome, which then lowers inflammation.”
5. Tea and coffee
“Coffee and tea both contain polyphenols that actually amplify the body’s cancer fighting responses,” said Dr Li. “Tea has catechins. These are polyphenols that cut off the blood supply to cancers, lower inflammation. They boost the immune system and even the fibre found in tea leaves can feed the gut microbiome. Coffee has chlorogenic acid, the very same substance that actually is found in those apples, that lower inflammation, as well as many other compounds.
“If you want the full strength of cancer fighting, health defence-activating ability, go for matcha, because matcha are potent tea leaves, green tea leaves, and you get the entire thing, you get all the fibre from that leaf itself, and that’s what’s actually gonna help your gut microbiome as well.”
A fan of Martin Lewis asked if they should avoid a certain type of account
Martin Lewis has offered his perspective on ISA rates after a question sent to him by a follower. Savers may want to take note that some significant changes to savings rules are coming in soon.
A follower contacted the financial journalist through social media with a query. They referred to the previously announced Government changes to ISAs, and how it was “suggested to people to invest in stocks and shares ISAs”. However, the saver said they were unsure about this approach given the conflict in the Middle East.
They asked Mr Lewis: “As the war has plummeted shares/values I wonder if you could do a feature on this and compare the £20,000 or even the soon to be less £8,000 difference to value compared to ISA rates.”
As revealed in the Autumn Budget 2025, the cash ISA allowance is set to be effectively reduced from April 2027. You can presently save up to £20,000 each tax year into ISAs, split as you wish between cash ISAs and stocks and shares ISAs.
From the next tax year, you will only be permitted to use up to £12,000 of the allowance as you choose, while the remainder will need to be allocated to stocks and shares accounts. However, people aged 65 and over will be exempt from the new rules and will keep the current £20,000 allowance.
False comparisons
In response to the question, Mr Lewis warned it may be a mistake to swerve away from investments now despite the market volatility. He said: “Not sure share values have really plummeted that much.
“E.g. FTSE 100 did in March but they’re not that far from peak right now and massively up in a year.” He also warned the saver: “The problem with such comparisons is it is all about the time period you pick.”
The consumer expert was recently asked on his BBC podcast whether now is an opportune moment to open a stocks and shares ISA, given the conflict in Iran. He said in response: “If you’re talking about investing for a long term money that you don’t need for five years and you’re going to do that in a nice spread of investments, like a global tracker fund or an S&P tracker or FTSE tracker, then you just have to accept that you will never know when the perfect time to put money in is.”
Savings tactic
Nonetheless, he did offer one way to mitigate the risk while building up your investment-based savings. Mr Lewis explained: “You could put £10,000 in now but you could arrange with the provider that it sits in its cash part. You can hold it in cash, within a stocks and shares ISA, for the moment.
“You could say I’ve got £10,000, over the next 10 months, I’d like you to buy £1,000 a month of that tracker fund that I’m putting my investment into. It’s called pound-cost averaging.
“Because you’re drip feeding the money in, that helps smooth out the short-term volatility of buying at the right moment. So if you’re worried about that volatility, you might want to adopt that tactic.”
Savings rules changes
Further savings rule changes are set to take effect from April 2027. The rate applied to taxable savings will rise by two percentage points across each tax bracket.
Those on the basic rate of income tax can earn up to £1,000 in interest each tax year without incurring any tax on those earnings. Any growth within an ISA does not count towards this threshold, as ISAs remain entirely free from tax.
‘Vaping is definitely a cancer risk’
The image of people smoking cigarettes in our streets and pubs sometimes feels almost like a distant memory. Instead, it’s now far more common to spot individuals carrying or puffing on an e-cigarette or vape.
According to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, around 5.3 million people aged 18 years and over (10.6%) smoked cigarettes in the UK in 2024, the lowest proportion since records began in 2011. But around 5.4 million adults aged 16 years and over (10%) used an e-cigarette daily or occasionally in the same year.
Many vapers may be doing so in the belief that their habit is considerably less damaging than traditional cigarette smoking. However, one prominent physician and cancer researcher strongly challenges this assumption. Dr William Li, a globally renowned physician and researcher specialising in cancer and the connection between diet and health, shared with the Zoe podcast his conviction that vaping poses a greater health threat than smoking cigarettes.
He said: “Vaping is definitely a cancer risk and it’s been well established in the lab. It’s being seen in the clinic and arguably the chemicals in these vaping solutions are even more irritating, even more toxic, than traditional tobacco. They’re different, but we think that they actually may be even more DNA-mutating. And so, you know, for those people who are like ‘Well, vaping’s a safer alternative, at least I’m not smoking’, you know you might be doing something even worse for yourself.”
He added: “Whether you’re talking about vaping or you’re talking about cigarettes, pipes, cigars, you’re putting in toxins into your lungs.”
Dr Li isn’t the only prominent medic who believes vaping poses serious health risks, reports the Mirror. Dr Jeremy London, who holds board certification in general surgery, vascular surgery and thoracic surgery, and frequently shares guidance via social media and interviews, was asked to rate the severity of certain habits on a scale of 1-10. He rated vaping as a 10.
“Although we don’t have the data like we do with cigarettes over many, many years, I’ve personally seen some tragic outcomes in young individuals who vape,” he said.
Speaking to Today, Dr London described smoking as “the single worst thing you can do for yourself” but expressed equal concern about vaping. Studies have demonstrated that adults who routinely use electronic nicotine delivery devices, or e-cigarettes, exhibit concerning alterations in cardiovascular and vascular function and perform markedly worse during exercise stress tests compared to individuals who avoid all nicotine products.
A former DWP employee with 42 years’ experience has shared insider PIP claim tips that could help people avoid losing their disability benefits during reviews
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed that no alterations will be made to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) until a review of the current eligibility criteria has been finalised. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms is working alongside disabled groups and charities to co-produce the review, which is due to conclude this autumn.
Meanwhile, a former DWP employee with more than 40 years’ experience handling State Pensions, working age and disability benefits has offered some insider guidance which could assist people submitting a new claim for PIP and other disability benefits.
This advice may also prove extremely useful for current claimants, as the number of people receiving disability benefits continues to hit record levels across Great Britain.
The most recent statistics from the DWP reveal there are now over 3.9 million people claiming PIP, more than 1.7 million pensioners receiving Attendance Allowance and over 175,700 claiming Pension Age Disability Payment. As the number of people claiming disability benefits continues to rise, Sandra Wrench, a former DWP employee with 42 years’ experience in the welfare system, is encouraging new applicants to “keep a copy of the claim form they submit” as it could prove invaluable when the award comes up for review, reports the Daily Record.
Submitting claims for PIP and Attendance Allowance online (limited number per week) makes it straightforward to save a copy to your home computer or laptop for future reference, while those completing a paper-based form should photocopy the original document before sending it off.
If you do not already have a copy of the PIP 2 evidence form – the health questionnaire you completed prior to your assessment – get in touch with the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 and request that one be sent to you.
Having this to hand will assist you with any future reviews for PIP. The form can serve as a reminder of the original responses you provided to the daily living and mobility questions, but more crucially, it can help you explain how your condition currently affects you – particularly if your circumstances have changed, your health has deteriorated, or you have developed additional issues.
The former DWP adviser told the Daily Record: “With PIP, and in some cases Attendance Allowance, the claim is allowed for a certain period of time before it is reviewed, so it is handy to know what you put down on the original claim form.
“One lady I helped with her PIP claim, I got her to keep a copy of her original claim, which made it easier for her to complete her PIP review form when the time came. Your medical condition can sometimes change from the date you submitted your original claim.”
Regarding Attendance Allowance claims, she added: “It is advisable to get all your medical evidence sorted out before you start completing the form.”
This is owing to the length of the application form, and she explained how gathering all medical notes and information, along with relevant dates for appointments or operations beforehand, can significantly reduce the time needed to complete the claim. She said: “Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim you are halfway there.”
Nevertheless, Sandra cautioned: “Do not try and complete the form in one sitting, as it can be mentally draining.”
The former welfare adviser stated that the most crucial reason for retaining a copy of your original claim form is to ensure you “do not give any conflicting evidence when it comes to a review, which may give DWP reason to scrutinise your case further”.
She went on: “Also if your claim is disallowed by DWP and you seek help over this, the person looking at your case can see what you have put on the original form as to why it might have been disallowed.”
PIP Payment rates 2026/27
The new payment rates will start on April 6.
Daily Living component
- Enhanced: £114.60 (from £110.40)
- Standard: £76.70 (from £73.90)
Mobility component
- Enhanced: £80.00 (from £77.05)
- Standard: £30.30 (from £29.20)
Other ways to protect future disability benefit payments
Maintaining a diary stands as one of the most valuable tools for anyone claiming disability benefits, and it needn’t be a traditional paper-based record. Your mobile phone, computer, laptop or tablet offers a straightforward method for noting down ‘bad days’ and documenting significant moments connected to your condition.
Setting up a dedicated note with the time and date allows you to jot down points you might wish to raise at a future PIP review, or simply adding entries to your calendar function.
This doesn’t require daily entries, just details that are relevant to how your condition impacts you. This might encompass everyday tasks you struggled to manage independently, instances of forgetting to take medication, or experiencing low mood or frustration stemming from your condition.
Additional things worth recording would be if carrying out everyday activities:
- was painful for you
- takes you a long time
- puts you or someone else in danger
- makes you feel breathless
- makes you unsteady
This form of note-taking, or diary maintenance, proves particularly useful for those with fluctuating conditions, as it could make describing ‘good days and bad days’ to a health professional considerably easier. It can also help you identify the frequency of notable health events, which are sometimes so routine they slip from memory.
It’s equally vital to keep records of any medical appointments connected to your condition so your documentation remains current. This can also encompass counselling or physiotherapy sessions. It may also be worth contacting a charity with specialist knowledge of your condition, even if it’s simply to ensure you’re not missing out on additional support.
These suggestions represent just a few of the steps people on PIP or Attendance Allowance can take to begin safeguarding their future payment award by building a personal evidence trail that can make it simpler to remember specific examples of how their condition impacts them.
A successful new claim for PIP is now worth between £30.30 and £194.60, some £121.20 and £778.40 every four weeks over the 2026/27 financial year. A successful new claim for Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment is now worth either £76.70 (lower rate) or £114.60 (higher rate) each week and as the benefit is typically paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £306.80 or £458.40 every pay period. Find out more about making a new claim on GOV.UK.
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