winter fuel allowance

moneyistooshorttomention

I keep getting told that I should put in my claim for this - because I am 60 now.

I'd quite happily do so - since I am both retirement age and retired. However, I'd thought that it wasn't possible to get it these days until you reach your personal State Pension Age.

I don't reach my own personal State Pension Age for about 3 years.

So - can I get this allowance now or do I have to wait till I am getting my State Pension?

Has anyone got any links to authoritative Government (or similar) info. stating what the rule is about age to claim please?

meg72

Pretty sure you have to be on state pension to get this.

iaps

Part 3: Eligibility

Usually, you’ll qualify for Winter Fuel Payment if:

• you were born on or before 5 July 1951 (winter 2012 to 2013 - this date changes every year)
• you normally live in the UK throughout the week of 17 to 23 September 2012

You may still be able to get the payment if you live in another European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. You’ll need to fill in a different claim form.

https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/overview

chesky

Who 'keeps telling' you? The Pension Service or your next door neighbour?

moneyistooshorttomention

I'll give you a clue - it aint the Pension Service...its someone I know who has a bit of a tendency not to understand things very well, but was quoting off a recent article they saw. Hence my having my doubts I really can - because it was my understanding I couldnt yet:(

seven-day-weekend

You don't have to be on State Pension, but you do have to be at the female State Pension age.

I get it because I am on SP, my husband gets it because he has reached the female State Pension age, although his own State Pension age age is not until January 2014.

If you are not receiving SRP, but do qualify, it won't happen automatically, you will have to apply.

Hope this helps.

https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/eligibility

penrhyn

As above, both men and women are eligible when your reach the female retirement age, IIRC I was sent a letter asking me to apply when I reached 60.
Comes in very handy for Xmas presents and the like as it normally arrives before Christmas.

Ainsley1

Iaps is correct.

It is 60 years old for both males and females at the stated date. The amount payable varies with any others in the same household who are also entitled to claim. Yes, you need to claim it - see link above.

State pensions age has nothing to do with it but as it rises there will naturally be thoughts that it is not needed till later in life - well at least that could be used as an excuse for any government not wishing to pay out as much..

Sounds like your financial adviser might have been confused by the cold weather payments...?.....they are totally different.

luvchocolate

check the link, this is payable at state retirement age, I am 61 and can claim from September next year when I get state pension, I believe you do actually have to claim it at this time its not automatic.There is so much confusion over this with the pension age moving all the time! also looking forward to getting bus pass next year!!!

Pollycat

If you are 60 now, you couldn't have been born on or before 5 July 1951 so aren't eligible for WFP.

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

I'll give you a clue - it aint the Pension Service...its someone I know who has a bit of a tendency not to understand things very well, but was quoting off a recent article they saw. Hence my having my doubts I really can - because it was my understanding I couldnt yet:(

I could have guessed this.

My elerly Mum pops into the village, meets somebody who has half read an article in a newspaper (probably the Daily Mail or similar :cool:), has caught the last 10 seconds of a 10 minute discussion slot on daytime TV and knows - really, really knows - that Mum should be on whatever benefit.

The fact that's she's not eligible - and I know she's not eligible because I've checked and checked again (I look after all her financial stuff) - means nothing and I have to spend ages showing Mum why I'm right and the friend is wrong.

I also have an elderly friend who does the same and comes out to meet us all fired-up with indignation because the Govt is doing such-and-such when he has got hold of the wrong end of the stick (in fact he's not even close to having his hand anywhere near the bloody stick!) and the Govt proposal is far different to what he has (mis)read or (mis)heard. :mad:

Will I be like this in 20 years time? :rotfl:

Ainsley1

For the last time it's not to do with pension age, be it private, employee or state eligible ages! It just so happens that one becomes eligible at 60 (and the date criterium listed above, so may be 60 but not get it till next year). 60 could well have been chosen originally as at that age most women will have 'retired', not be in work for other reasons or have lost their husbands or they themselves retired. At about 60 there is often evident an increasing need for heat and more so in later life so it makes sense to increase with age and probable deteriorating health.
- what always defeats me are the step changes in eligibility and amount paid and the consideration of need (or lack of it).

I do not get a state pension but do get the Winter allowance, thank goodness. Suggesting state retirement age will only lead to confusion! Please note luvchocolate and others!

Like that contribution Polly! Probably the cause of confusion you relate is us all just getting on a bit and if your lucky you'll reach a ripe old age too! However I suggest don't read the Daily Mail