Age for Winter fuel payment to rise from 60 to 65

chesky369

Errata I'm afraid that although we live in a democratic society, not everyone who is entitled to help gets it. Millions of pounds are unclaimed every year, simply because people are too unsure of themselves to try to claim, or are put off by the lengthy forms, or simply don't realise that they are entitled. I'm sure there are some scroungers out there but they are more than outweighed by those who never make a claim in their lives and who should.

Annie47

Chesky369 I totally agree with you that's my point entirely. Some of these people who don't claim what they are entitled to probably struggle along when they could live more comfortably.

Edinburghlass_2

Fortunately thats exactly why the WFA is given automatically like Child Benefit to everyone who qualifies unless you defer your state pension and then you will have to apply.

chesky369

..... unless of course they make a mistake and leave you off some computer list. Then unless you're clued up enough to check it out, you find that it's too late to claim for that year. It happens.

Edinburghlass_2

Yes! Extra £50 WFA for over 60s and an extra £100 for over 80s

9 million pensioner households will benefit said Alistair Darling:j

and a change in pension credits but I'll need to check that out.

In fact listening again I think the new pension credit figure comes in this April from previous budget bringing the minimum weekly income to £124.

Now I hope EVERYONE who is entitled to claims these benefits/concessions.

dwileflunker

margaretclare wrote: »

No, I wasn't meaning that at all.

Anyone who gets AA, DLA, or any disability-based benefit, has a reason for getting it. I have never said that no one else should get it. Some might argue that my daughter shouldn't get DLA, after all she has a full-time job (when she's not off sick as she is at the moment!) but a person on DLA or AA has other expenses that don't apply to many people. Use of free bus passes may not be possible, for example, so need to pay for own transport. Also a person on AA or DLA will have greater need for an efficient hot water supply and possibly that's the reason for the WarmFront entitlement.

However, we do quite often see new threads headed 'I'm 60 now, what can I claim, what am I entitled to'. Being 60 in itself need not signal a need for extra benefits or concessions. I pointed out that I worked until I was 67. You seem to have some kind of resentment towards my AA? If so, as the car stickers have it 'you can have my parking space if you have my disability too'.

I have referred to my AA in the context of others who don't know how to apply for it/don't know whether they'd be entitled. People like you cannot make me feel guilty about this benefit because every time I start to question 'do I really need this?' some other darned thing crops up and makes me think 'Yes, I jolly well DO!'

I was pointing out, in general, a widespread 'what can I claim?' attitude which exists. I am not the only person who has noticed this, among all ages.

Margaret

It sounds to me that you fall into the Farway school of thought, criticising those who ask what they can claim whilst claiming everything themselves. I'm sure you are entitled to, and deserve, everything you get, so why question and complain about those who are obviously not as savvy as you and ask what they're entitled to. What are you trying to say? It's one rule for you (and Farway) and another for everyone else.

chesky369

Yes! Extra £50 WFA for over 60s and an extra £100 for over 80s

Don't get overexcited - it is a one off payment for one year only, not a regular increase.

Edinburghlass_2

Being 60 in itself need not signal a need for extra benefits or concessions.

However there are many people who do need the extra benefits or concessions that they are entitled to claim and indeed should.

As this is turning into a discussion thread I'm going to close it and if you want to discuss this please use the Discussion Board. New thread started here regarding the benefits and concessions available but be aware this is not a discussion thread either.