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Winter Fuel Allowance

I qualify for the Winter Fuel Allowance but am in a bit of a quandry. Can you lot help.

I actually live overseas for the 6 months of the British Winter so don't use gas, electricity or coal etc from November to end of April.

Should I apply for the allowance????????

If I applied for the allowance will whoever be able to check if I warrant it?

DO I need the allowance. Well every little helps but with the way that interest on bank accounts has deteriorated and the way the stock markets have performed recently I certainly need it more than I may have in the past. I am not rich by any means and we live very simply.
No reliance should be placed on the above.

Comments

  • dzug1
    dzug1 Posts: 13,535 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Yes you can claim.

    No one will bat an eyelid - it's an 'absolute' right - no one checks if you 'warrant' it or not. All you have to do is live in the UK in the qualifying week in September.

    http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel/livingabroad.asp#q1
  • moana
    moana Posts: 66 Forumite
    dzug1,
    Thanks very much for that.:beer:
    I was in the UK during the qualifying period but I do not live in the EEA or Swtzerland, although my home address is still in the UK.

    I suppose now my question is 'is it ethical for me to claim?'.

    I think I know the answer but hope to hear from some posters.
    No reliance should be placed on the above.
  • jonesMUFCforever
    jonesMUFCforever Posts: 28,898 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    If it is there for you to claim then claim.
  • TomsMom
    TomsMom Posts: 4,251 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I'm of the opinion that if it's available and you qualify then have no qualms about receiving it.

    Soapbox bit: Far too much money is being paid out to people who know how to work the system/scroungers/workshy/the "I'll get pregnant while I'm still at school so I wont have to work and I'll get benefits and accommodation" brigade/etc. Ethics don't come into it for these people so don't worry.

    Why shouldn't you get something that you genuinely qualify for. If the government didn't want people who live overseas for part of the year to receive it then they wouldn't make it available to them. Go for it.

    By the way - why do you need to "claim" it? When I reached 60 I got it automatically as I was receiving my pension.
  • dzug1
    dzug1 Posts: 13,535 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    TomsMom wrote: »

    By the way - why do you need to "claim" it? When I reached 60 I got it automatically as I was receiving my pension.

    If Moana is male he will have to claim - no pension to trigger it automatically until 65
  • Francesanne
    Francesanne Posts: 2,081 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Claim it! and don't feel guilty.
This discussion has been closed.
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