Am I responsible to inform authorities that my mum is going abroad?

BigBelly

My mother (a pensioner) is intending to go to the Philippines on holiday this summer. Her state and company pension are paid into her bank account which I am a joint account holder so I will transfer the money to her niece in the Philippines so she can access it. I will look after her house while she is away.

However, she has hinted that she might be there for a year or two. Do I have a responsibility to tell the authorities that she is abroad and to cancel her winter fuel allowance?

cleggie

I am sure that you might have a responsibility to, but i really struggle to think that anyone woud do that to their own mother!

whitewing

It surely is your mother's responsibility and I see no problem whatsoever that you remind her to do so (or remind her to find out if she needs to do so).

atush

Your mother is the pensioner, so has the repsonsibility to inform anyone- not you. If she needs to do so, or not, you can ask the DWP.

christabell

Winter Fuel Allowance: If your mother was in this country on her ???60th birthday??? she is entitled to the winter fuel allowance. If you are looking after her property, will you not need this money to keep the property warm, and to stop her pipes etc from freezing???

Your mother is not moving abroad, and you don't know exactly how long she will be away for, plus she is a pensioner.....why would the DWP need to know this information???

BigBelly

I think you have to be in the country in September to qualify for Winter Fuel Allowance.

CLAPTON

there is absolutely no reason for you to inform anyone about your mother's location

there is in general, no problem with your mother continuing to receive her state pension while she is abroad
however, there are some rules about receiving increases in the state pension depending upon which country the pensioner lives in
however, it's not clear whether your mother is living abroad permanent

anyway see

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/BritonsLivingAbroad/Moneyabroad/DG_4000013

BigBelly

How do you define 'living abroad permanently'?

christabell

Who can get it and how much you can get

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax free payment to help older people keep warm during winter. It is provided by the government to those who are eligible.
Who can get it

If you were born on or before 5 January 1951 you may qualify. It’s not means tested and you can get it if you’re still working or claiming a benefit.
If you were born after 5 January 1951, find out when you’ll qualify for Winter Fuel Payment on the following link.

This is from direct.gov web site

pineapple

BigBelly wrote: »

However, she has hinted that she might be there for a year or two. Do I have a responsibility to tell the authorities that she is abroad and to cancel her winter fuel allowance?

Well she has only hinted. I would tell her to leave it at that! I would think it was her responsibility anyway.