Winter fuel payment: don't miss out!

MSE_Martin

What's it about?

Winter may seem a long way off yet but if you're over 60 it's vital you send your form off soon if you want to receive your winter fuel payment in time for Xmas.

What to do

Those who've received it before or are on a state pension or other social security benefit need do nothing, you'll get it automatically.

If you haven't, though, you have until 22 Sept to apply if you want your £200 (£300 if you're over 80) before Xmas.

If you haven't received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or don't receive one of the eligible social security benefits in the qualifying week (18-24 Sept 2006) you'll need to claim. The deadline for all claims for Winter Fuel Payment in 2006/07 is 30 March 2007.

Click reply to discuss

al_yrpal

Hopefully Gordon Brown will note that the swingeing increases in fuel prices and increase this payment. I was on a fixed price gas and electricity deal since 2004 and my increase has been £240 per annum. Add to that £72 per annum increase in Council Tax, £5 extra on the TV licence, £5 extra on car tax, and another £100 a year on petrol and you are looking at at least £8 a week, which compares very badly with the increase in the State Pension.

CIS

Limited backdating is possible if you do meet the requirements but dont get the actual payments

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/resourcecentre/winterfuel/home.asp

ler01kjh

So does everyone over 60 receive this benefit, or is it means tested?

Mr_C_10

The payment is tax free and is paid either on a benefit system (for those in receipt of state pension/pension credit etc) or if you qualify (aged 60 or over during or before the qualifying week) and are not receiving a benefit then you need to complete a claim form, obtainable from the helpline 08459 151515 or from the pension service website.

And no it's not means tested.

grilli

CIS wrote:

Limited backdating is possible if you do meet the requirements but dont get the actual payments

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/resourcecentre/winterfuel/home.asp

Very limited, claims have to be in by 30th March for the year you want to claim for. It's not means tested. it can also be paid to people living outside UK as long as they received or were eligable for payment before leaving UK.

tricia2673

I receive this fuel payment but my husband has now turned 60, does this mean he gets it also, or is a one payment per household.

lindad_2

You say the winter fuel payment is £200 and £300 for over 80's. My husband was 80 on the 20th August so will he get the extra £100 this year? Or as we are both over 65 will we just get £400? How does it work does anyone know?:

lowestoftlill

I will be 60 on 04/10/2006. Can I apply for the winter fuel payment?

CIS

You cant receive it this year as your not 60 on or before the 24th september

Mr_C_10

lindad wrote:

You say the winter fuel payment is £200 and £300 for over 80's. My husband was 80 on the 20th August so will he get the extra £100 this year? Or as we are both over 65 will we just get £400? How does it work does anyone know?:

Ok , if you are both paid by a benefit system your husband will receive a shared rate WFP (£100) and a full rate 80+ payment of £100. You will receive £100 WFP.