Life Events news in 2026
10 stories, newest first.
- October 2026
Government announces removal of two-year rule on lump sum death benefits at Budget 26
The government will remove the two-year rule on tax-free pension and lump sum death benefits for payments made on or after 28 October 2026, through Finance Bill 2026-27.
- September 2026
1,500 people quit work to care every day, a 150% increase in seven years
Carers UK says 1,500 people a day are leaving work to care for older and disabled relatives, a 150% rise in seven years, with separate Scottish polling putting the figure at 362,182.
- June 2026
Government launches cohabitation law reform consultation
The government has opened a consultation on cohabitation law reform in England and Wales, seeking views on property, pension and inheritance rights for around 3.5 million unmarried couples.
- April 2026
Paternity leave becomes a day one right for employees
Paternity leave became a day one employment right on 6 April 2026, with the previous qualifying period removed and a rule that removed entitlement on taking shared parental leave scrapped.
Pension interests brought into inheritance tax from 6 April 2027
Pension pots and other pension death benefits will form part of a person's estate for inheritance tax purposes for deaths on or after 6 April 2027, under the Finance Act 2026.
Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods rates updated from April 2026
Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods rates in Scotland rise from April 2026, with the Pregnancy and Baby Payment at £796.65 for a first child and £398.35 for each subsequent child.
Carer Support Payment replaces Carer's Allowance in Scotland
Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer's Allowance in Scotland and is now available across the country, with three further payments for carers also in place.
- March 2026
SLC opens application service for 26/27 academic year
The Student Loans Company has opened applications for 26/27 full-time undergraduate student finance in England, with Tuition Fee Loans of up to £9,790 and Maintenance Loans for living costs.
Break and bereavement improvements to Carer Support Payment introduced
Social Security Scotland has confirmed that Carer Support Payment changes introduced in March 2026 removed the set caring period for temporary breaks and extended bereavement support to 12 weeks.
- February 2026
Funeral Support Payment eligibility widened by around 40%
A new nearest relative eligibility test for Scotland's Funeral Support Payment is expected to widen eligibility by around 40 per cent, reaching an estimated 5,000 people each year.