Winter Fuel Payments - Qualifying dates

Jennifer_Jane

margaretclare wrote: »

I personally don't see why this could not be linked to pension credit, so that those who really need it could still have it, but those of us who do NOT need it wouldn't qualify for it. Apparently one drawback is that means-testing/taxing actually causes more administrative costs than the payment itself costs.

margaretclare, I sort of agree with you about linking winter fuel to pension credit. But I really hope they won't. I would just qualify on income for pension credit/council tax reduction, but have savings over the limit. I don't want to get rid of the savings as I have a house move coming up which depends on: a) increased interest in house buying, and, b) some considerable increase in stock markets.

So, selfishly, I just hope they don't do this. I agree that 'we are all in this together', but just stating my own circumstance. I am very grateful for the winter fuel allowance.

lilac_lady

I'm grateful for the winter fuel allowance and think that if every "perk"given in retirement (and there's not many) is to be means tested that it's unfair.

I know people will disagree but that's my personal opinion.

Errata

There would probably be no need for any 'perks' if the UK gov paid a decent state pension as other European countries do.

funnyguy

There has been no mention from gov. about free perscriptions changing with this pension change yet. They are still showing as 60.years.Does anyone know any differant?

zygurat789

funnyguy wrote: »

There has been no mention from gov. about free perscriptions changing with this pension change yet. They are still showing as 60.years.Does anyone know any differant?

According to the DWP there WILL BE no change in April 2010 but they are looking into the best way to increase the qualifying age in line with the female retirement age.

So it will happen and this is as it should be, IMHO. The fact that this and all other perks like this were not indexed in the first place was bad drafting of the law by the civil service.