Winter fuel allowance

xeroxwizard

I got mine 2 weeks ago. I've spent it already on having a good time. All thanks to Arlene Foster who also successfully grew a money tree even though Theresa May announced that there was no such thing. :beer:

silverspirit

got mine, going to save for a cruise, one day

Silvertabby

Letter arrived a week after the payment hit the bank. Final sentence says that they 'will pay the WFA before Christmas'. I assumed that this would be for the benefit of those who use pre-paid energy meters, as the highest power bills won't land on doorsteps until February or March. Unless, of course, even DWP accept that most people use this payment for other things......

Ever so slightly off piste, we had £10 credited to our bank yesterday. Turned out to be the Christmas bonus - but as I really thought this was only payable to those on means tested benefits, I initially assumed that it had been paid in error. Not so - the eligibility list includes all State pensioners. Er - why? It must cost more than £10 just to pay this money, and I'm sure that we're not alone in thinking that it - and more besides - would be better directed to those who really need it.

Farway

Silvertabby wrote: »

Ever so slightly off piste, we had £10 credited to our bank yesterday. Turned out to be the Christmas bonus - but as I really thought this was only payable to those on means tested benefits, I initially assumed that it had been paid in error. Not so - the eligibility list includes all State pensioners. Er - why? It must cost more than £10 just to pay this money, and I'm sure that we're not alone in thinking that it - and more besides - would be better directed to those who really need it.

A left over from when it was worth something to most who received it, but it will take a very foolish politician to scrap it, you can write your own headlines on the resulting uproar

silverspirit

only kidding about the cruise, I have a home to heat. Not used much fuel so far this autumn but won`t stint myself


As for the £10, a pointless gesture, maybe that is meant for something nice like chocolates

Pollycat

Farway wrote: »

A left over from when it was worth something to most who received it, but it will take a very foolish politician to scrap it, you can write your own headlines on the resulting uproar

Information about how much it was worth when first introduced in this thread - see post #3:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5932177

margaretclare

Yes, I got this £10 today along with weekly state pension payment.


I do remember the start of this very well. My mother worked as a servant from early teens until she managed to retire aged 60, in December 1971. She had only managed to do this by buying her own NI stamps and sticking them on her card herself. None of the women she worked for ever thought it was important for her to do this. The woman she worked for last was most aggrieved that she felt the need to retire. They lived a bit in the days of 'Brideshead Revisited', when the old nanny was pensioned off but provided for. Don't get me going on those outdated and semi-feudal ideas...


Anyway, mum found herself better off in receipt of retirement pension than she'd ever been in all the years of hard work. I think it came as a bit of a shock to realise that someone would give her money without her having to turn out on cold mornings to cycle a few miles and give an old woman breakfast in bed, run her bath etc.


The Heath government was elected and one of their initiatives was to give £10 extra at Christmas. 'That nice Mr Heath' gave Mum an extra Christmas present. She sang his praises. He could do no wrong in her eyes. I can hear her now...


So that was where it comes from - the Heath government of the early 70s. It was actually, at the time, equivalent to another week's pension payment and was really worth something. Of course, not now. As DH just said, it wouldn't buy you a packet of fags. Not that he buys fags himself, ever, but...

The_Inquisitor

We had 2 x £100 hit our bank account at the same time early last week, followed by 2 x £10 a few days later.

My wife received a letter about her £100. I haven't had a letter yet.

Katiehound

My letter arrived today. Don't know about the cash unless/until I either phone and test out 'My voice is my password' or receive the paper statement!
The £10 Christmas payment won't even buy most of the so-called 'stocking fillers' in the glossy magazines (expensive tat!!!)

carlislelass

Got mine couple of weeks ago followed by letter. Hubby got his letter this morning