question about winter fuel payment

pink_marshmallow

i will be 60 in september but due to my dob will not get my state pension until april 2011.does anyone know do i get my winter fuel payment when i'm 60(2010) or do i have to go round another year after i get my pension.any advice greatly appreciated as i can't seem to find any information on this and the money would come in handy for christmas if paid at 60


thanks in advance

pink marshmallow

redz

If you are 60 in the qualifying week, 3rd week in Sept if I remember rightly, you will qualify. If you are in receipt of any state benefit you will be paid automatically, if not you will have to make an application.

pink_marshmallow

thanks for the reply, i will be 60 on sept 22, does that qualify as the 3rd week i wonder. i'm not in receipt of any state benefits so will apply as you suggested in sept and see what they say

redz

If memory serves the qualifying week is the 3rd full week, so you should qualify this year as the 22nd falls within this period. The Winter fuel helpline is 08459 15 15 15, if you give them a call closer to the time they will be able to advise you on your entitlement and take your application.

basieman

I find it amazing that as I am 59 and 8 months and claiming JSA income based and yet I do not qualify for any assistance towards heating costs. During the cold spell my heating bill has TRIPLED and yet my allowance remains the same.

However, come my birthday in May I will receive Pension Credts and, incidentally, an immediate "pay rise" of £90 per week! AND Cold Weather Payments.

I would be grateful if somebody would tell me the reasoning behind THAT piece of legislation.

I, for one, can't wait to become a "senior".

tigerlily

basieman wrote: »

I find it amazing that as I am 59 and 8 months and claiming JSA income based and yet I do not qualify for any assistance towards heating costs. During the cold spell my heating bill has TRIPLED and yet my allowance remains the same.

However, come my birthday in May I will receive Pension Credts and, incidentally, an immediate "pay rise" of £90 per week! AND Cold Weather Payments.

I would be grateful if somebody would tell me the reasoning behind THAT piece of legislation.

I, for one, can't wait to become a "senior".

Because the line has to be drawn somewhere. By your reckoning, all of us that are under 60 should recieve help with heating costs which in my opinion is crazy! My mum is over 60 and see's the payment as something to be grateful for, not that its not enough, should be paid earlier etc. I guess it comes from her never thinking it was her right to have her way paid for her by benefits, something she has instilled in my sister and I..........and I am very glad she has.

anmarj

pink_marshmallow wrote: »

i will be 60 in september but due to my dob will not get my state pension until april 2011.does anyone know do i get my winter fuel payment when i'm 60(2010) or do i have to go round another year after i get my pension.any advice greatly appreciated as i can't seem to find any information on this and the money would come in handy for christmas if paid at 60


thanks in advance

pink marshmallow

ALL PLEASE NOTE : the qualifing age for winter fuel payment is rising in line with the increase in womens State Pension age!!! It has been a little know fact that has not been really published, you may find you cannot claim it for this year, also the age that you can claim Pension Credit will also rise in line with State Pension.

st999

My birthday is at the beginning of October and I never got the WFA the year I was 60 and my sister's birthday is the 25th Sept (she is 11 months and 3 weeks younger than me, an unfortunate accident according to my mother:rotfl:) and we both got it the next year.

Then when my wife became 60 they took my £250 away :eek: and gave us £125 each. Most unfair as it is me that pays the gas and electricity.

Stan