Winter Fuel allowance.

Savvy_Sue

The other thing to bear in mind before we all get too judgmental is that many people pay their fuel bills in such a way that the money's already gone - or at least accounted for - from their account. They either have a DD, or a payment card, or they put regular amounts into the tea caddy. And they've been doing that regardless of when or whether they're getting a Winter Fuel Payment.

So by saying "that'll come in handy for the grandchildren's Christmas presents", they are just thinking of the next 'irregular' spend that's coming up.

It's not as if the utility companies expect to get that extra £200 now if you're paying by DD, is it? Or that the Chancellor expects you to put that £200 into the metaphorical tea caddy from which you pay your fuel bills before withdrawing it to spend on anything else.

At least that's the way I'd look at it: should the WFP still exist when I'm old enough to get it, I'll put it 'where most needed', and that might not be the account which pays the utility bills. But even it if is most needed in the account which pays the utility bills, that'll be £200 I don't have to find from anywhere else, which will then be available for the grandchildren's presents.

I hope I'm making sense ...

pollypenny

You are making perfect sense,Sue.

It's no one's business how an individual budgets.

djohn2002uk

Absolutely right pollypenny. We receive it and could get by without it but it's there, we'll take it thank you very much and we'll spend it how we like. In fact, once it's in the joint account, it will just become part of the balance so we won't know what is what or who it belongs to and we like it that way.:)

demented_2

Do you have to write to them to claim it or does it automatically get sent to you when you have reached 60. My DH is 72 now and has been receiving the WFA, however i am now 60 and receive a state pension, even though i still work, can't afford not to. But have not had any letter or 1/2 of the WFA yet, just wondered if i have to contact them?

seven-day-weekend

pollypenny wrote: »

You are making perfect sense,Sue.

It's no one's business how an individual budgets.

I agree too.

dzug1

demented wrote: »

Do you have to write to them to claim it or does it automatically get sent to you when you have reached 60. My DH is 72 now and has been receiving the WFA, however i am now 60 and receive a state pension, even though i still work, can't afford not to. But have not had any letter or 1/2 of the WFA yet, just wondered if i have to contact them?

You need to apply

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/Benefits/BenefitsInRetirement/DG_10018657

renegade

I have received mine and it's staying in the bank.
With the increase in the cost of Gas & Vat, I don't want to increase my monthly DD payments and woulod prefer to use the money to settle my accounts in March next year which is when my annual anniversary bill is due , I did this last year so I start with a clean bill account and monitor my usage carefully.
Not everyone wants to do this but it gives me peace of mind.
It's an individual choice.

moonshine

dzug1 wrote: »

You need to apply

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/Benefits/BenefitsInRetirement/DG_10018657

I don't think you do need to apply because if you are of eligible age and you are in receipt of the State pension then it is paid automatically
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/Benefits/BenefitsInRetirement/DG_179916

moonshine

demented wrote: »

Do you have to write to them to claim it or does it automatically get sent to you when you have reached 60. My DH is 72 now and has been receiving the WFA, however i am now 60 and receive a state pension, even though i still work, can't afford not to. But have not had any letter or 1/2 of the WFA yet, just wondered if i have to contact them?

if you are of eligible age and you are receiving the State pension then it will be paid to you automatically. See here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/Benefits/BenefitsInRetirement/DG_179916

Ken68

renegade wrote: »

I have received mine and it's staying in the bank.
With the increase in the cost of Gas & Vat, I don't want to increase my monthly DD payments and woulod prefer to use the money to settle my accounts in March next year which is when my annual anniversary bill is due , I did this last year so I start with a clean bill account and monitor my usage carefully.
Not everyone wants to do this but it gives me peace of mind.
It's an individual choice.

I will spend most of my Winter Fuel Allowance on wine, women and song. The rest I shall waste.