Disability Living Allowance State Pension and Winter Fuel Payment

EcoChrisat76

I think the answer will be a definite "No" but asking, just in case.  Is a pensioner receiving State (Retirement) Pension and DLA for longstanding disability but not receiving any means tested benefit likely to be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?

I saw somewhere (might be an out of date source) that DLA was a qualifying benefit but I'm not hopeful.  Today's news confirming the situation for Pensioners is a real concern but not unexpected.

Thanks very much for any replies.

Brie

I thought that there was a certain income based benefits (SP included) that someone could receive and above that no pension credit and therefore no WFP.  But I haven't been following the news about what's being argued in parliament today so it may all change. 

disclaimer - in receipt of SP with additional low level work pensions plus still working minimally p/t. I was looking forward to the WFP for the first time but will understand it I'm waaaay too far over the limit to get it.  (2 adult household income of under £17k)  

EcoChrisat76

According to BBC 6 p.m. news Government 'won' with over 100 majority  in favour of the Bill.  I knew I would not be eligible because I do not receive a means tested benefit.

I hope you qualify, Brie.  

Although unlikely, I wondered if there was any consideration for pensioners in receipt of a disability benefit - probably not.

sammyjammy

I don't know but I would imagine if the answer is no you don't qualify its because they would say if you need heating over and above the norm then thats what your DLA payment is for.

beanielou

My understanding is no.  The only 'gateway' benefit is to be Pension Credit to be able to get WFP.

Spoonie_Turtle

Only certain means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit and Universal Credit qualify.
DLA is not means-tested so no.

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

Does the person live by themselves, or live with other adults who all claim a disability benefit or are registered blind?  If so, could be worth doing a benefits calculation because they could be entitled to the severe disability premium for living alone or being treated as living alone, which raises their Pension Credit eligibility threshold.

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/
https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/

EcoChrisat76

It is not what I hoped to hear, Spoonie_Turtle but thank you  very much for the helpful links.

Brian3357

This discussion highlights the mine field of navigating the benefits system.!deeply concerning that the government seems to be eyeing benifits instead of, as promised, looking to the rich in society to recoup funds

Albermarle

Brian3357 said:

This discussion highlights the mine field of navigating the benefits system.!deeply concerning that the government seems to be eyeing benifits instead of, as promised, looking to the rich in society to recoup funds

In fact the large majority of people who now receive WFA, do not need it, and some of them will be the rich/better off. It is a very badly targeted benefit.
However the issue is where ( and how) to draw the line, and just linking it to pension credit is too blunt an instrument, partly because pension credit has its own ‘cliff edge’ issue already.

Robbie64

For pensioners who lose out on the WFP due to not receiving a DWP means tested benefit such as Pension Credit it might be worth keeping an eye on the Government funded but council run Household Support Fund this winter. It wouldn't surprise me if some councils make a payment to pensioners not in receipt of PC but who receive benefits such as Housing Benefit or perhaps DLA / PIP. The only thing is, any council who does make payments is unlikely to match the £200 / £300 that would have been paid as a WFP.

MouldyOldDough

Next - "means tested" state pensions....
Just you wait and see.....