MSE News: Winter fuel cash boost for the over 60s

Former_MSE_Archna

This is the discussion thread for the following MSE News Story:

"Every household with an over 60 should be claiming winter fuel payment NOW ..."

Read the full story:
Cash boost for the over 60s. Claim winter fuel payment now

lombadas

Hi, does anyone have any more information regarding the possibility to claim for the years 1997 to 2000.

I was 60 years old at end of 1996 but do not remember getting this allowance

warm regards
peter

FreddieM

My wife is in her early 60s and was told she couldn't claim because I am in my 50s and working. Can anyone enlighten me on this one please

2muchfun

My other half gets the winter fuel payment & I'm still working. He's over 60 & I'm under 60. The rules shouldn't be sexist should they?
My 91 year old uncle has now come to live with us - will he get an allowance too or is it per household?

Cardew

It is per household.

However, if anyone is over 80, the household gets £400 instead of £250

Cardew

lombadas wrote: »

Hi, does anyone have any more information regarding the possibility to claim for the years 1997 to 2000.

I was 60 years old at end of 1996 but do not remember getting this allowance

warm regards
peter

You cannot claim for previous missed years.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

lombadas wrote: »

Hi, does anyone have any more information regarding the possibility to claim for the years 1997 to 2000.

I was 60 years old at end of 1996 but do not remember getting this allowance

warm regards
peter

if you read the article in the first post you will find this:

Backdated payments
While you can't claim backdated payments from 2001-onwards, you can claim for winters between 1997 and 2000 inclusive.

so, seems to suit you sir. :rotfl:

[Deleted User]

Hi,

FreddieM wrote: »

My wife is in her early 60s and was told she couldn't claim because I am in my 50s and working. Can anyone enlighten me on this one please

you will find this in the article in post 1:

Every household with someone aged 60 or over is entitled to help towards their winter energy costs.

The over 60s can claim a lump sum up to £250 tax-free

leebe10

Why are my & your Taxes being used to pay this allowance to over 60's living abroad & to those who's financail postion does not warrent such payments being made ?
Instead, the money would be better spent properly insulating homes & improving outdated heating systems, along with increasing the allowance levels to those most in need.

NeverInDebt

Hope you are wearing a fire !!!!!! suit expect some feedback

leebe10 wrote: »

Why are my & your Taxes being used to pay this allowance to over 60's living abroad & to those who's financail postion does not warrent such payments being made ?
Instead, the money would be better spent properly insulating homes & improving outdated heating systems, along with increasing the allowance levels to those most in need.

Cardew

I understand that it only applies to those who had already had qualified for WFA and then moved to Europe. That is because of EEC commission rules.

How do you decide in UK 'whose financial position does not warrant such payments being made'?

Only those over 60 on benefits?

What if those on benefits are living with rich children.

There simply isn't a mechanism to means test households. It is actually cheaper to just pay it out rather than employ thousands of Civil Servants to check out claims every year.

While we are at it why not stop children's allowance - Child tax credits for those 'whose financial position does not warrant such payments being made'?

where do you stop when you start applying such criteria?