Life Events news in 2023
10 stories, newest first.
- November 2023
Carer Support Payment first introduced in Scotland
Carer Support Payment replaced Carer's Allowance in Scotland, piloted from November 2023, rolled out fully from November 2024 and with case transfer completed in Autumn 2025.
- September 2023
Plan 5 introduced for students starting university in 2023-24
Students starting university in England in 2023-24 borrow under Plan 5, which charges RPI-only interest, sets a lower repayment threshold and writes off debt after 40 years rather than 30.
- August 2023
Plan 5 applies to courses started on or after 1 August 2023
Students who began undergraduate courses through Student Finance England on or after 1 August 2023 are on repayment Plan 5, with a £25,000 income threshold and a 40-year write-off.
Student loan repayment rules changed for new students from August 2023
Students starting university from August 2023 face a lower repayment threshold of £25,000, a 40 year write-off period and interest capped at RPI, under repayment rules that differ from earlier cohorts.
- July 2023
Universal Credit childcare maximum amounts to rise
The maximum childcare costs that working parents on Universal Credit can claim rise from July 2023 to £951 a month for one child and £1,630 for two or more.
- March 2023
March 2023 Budget increases UC childcare support
The March 2023 Budget raised the Universal Credit childcare element to £951 for one child and £1,630 for two children from July 2023, and paid the first month of childcare costs upfront for parents moving into work.
Spring Budget announces expansion of free childcare and Universal Credit childcare cap increase
The Chancellor has announced a phased extension of free childcare in England to working parents of children from nine months old, alongside higher Universal Credit childcare caps paid upfront.
- February 2023
Bereavement Support Payment eligibility extended to unmarried cohabiting parents
Eligibility for Bereavement Support Payment was extended on 9 February 2023 to unmarried cohabiting parents bereaved on or after 6 April 2017, with backdated claims possible to 30 August 2018.
Extension to cohabiting couples comes into force
The extension of the definition of "partner" to include cohabiting couples who were not in a legal union when one of them dies came into force on 9 February 2023.
- January 2023
UK Finance code expanded to cover debt separation
The UK Finance voluntary code of practice on financial abuse was expanded in January to include guidance on how banks can deal with debt separation, as charities report rising demand for help.