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Thoughts please ...

(118 Posts)
Germanshepherdsmum Fri 05-Nov-21 14:13:04

That’s amazing trisher. I had no idea. Near neighbours also have a home in Spain, go there some time in September and return in March. There must be a fair number who do that, perhaps fewer post Brexit. I thought it was bad enough that I was getting a winter fuel payment that I don’t need!

BlueBelle Fri 05-Nov-21 14:09:31

The fuel allowance is only given to pensioners who qualify for pension credit, and that includes those who are sick/disabled as well as elderly
Even if you do take the word ‘only’ out it’s still incorrect Pammie it is given to everyone of pension age not just those who qualify for Pension Credit you can be fit well not disabled and have a decent pension but you still get the annual allowance

nadateturbe Fri 05-Nov-21 13:52:07

Many pensioners feel the cold more and use a lot more fuel than others in the winter.
I agree with Kim. The government should help both groups.

Pammie1 Fri 05-Nov-21 13:50:31

Sorry - didn’t mean to put ‘only’- take the word out and it reads correctly.

Kim19 Fri 05-Nov-21 13:42:55

I think the government should afford (and pay) both. And, yes, I do believe there is a money tree when it suits them.

Oldwoman70 Fri 05-Nov-21 13:40:46

If we are talking about the Winter Fuel Allowance then I don't agree with taking it away from pensioners. If it were only to be paid to those on low incomes it would a means tested procedure which would cost more than the money saved and no additional money for those on UC

I think many pensioners who don't require the WFA donate it to charities helping those in need - I add it to the donations I make to a local food bank and a charity which helps homeless ex-service personnel

trisher Fri 05-Nov-21 13:19:21

The term is apparently the Winter Fuel Payment. www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-much-youll-get
You can get more than £100.
What amazed me is the residency qualification-you only need to be in the UK for one day during a week in September!!!!!
I'd be happy for someone poorer to get it.

Kate1949 Fri 05-Nov-21 12:45:00

We've always called it the fuel allowance. Perhaps that's not the correct name.

Kate1949 Fri 05-Nov-21 12:43:25

Every pensioner gets the fuel allowance.

Trisha57 Fri 05-Nov-21 12:40:52

Sorry, should have said, this is from the Citizens' Information Website.

Trisha57 Fri 05-Nov-21 12:39:49

I think you're confusing the Fuel Allowance with the Winter Fuel Payment. The conditions for receiving Fuel Allowance are as follows:
A Fuel Allowance is a payment to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months.

You can get the Fuel Allowance, if you are getting a long-term social welfare payment and you are unable to provide for your heating needs from your own resources. See ‘How to qualify for Fuel Allowance’ below.

Only one Fuel Allowance is paid to a household.

Fuel Allowance is generally paid with your social welfare payment on the same day. You can choose to get Fuel Allowance paid weekly or paid in 2 lump sums.

The 2021-2022 Fuel Allowance season starts Monday, 27 September 2021, and is expected to run for 28 weeks.

kittylester Fri 05-Nov-21 12:26:37

Pammie1

The fuel allowance is only given to pensioners who qualify for pension credit, and that includes those who are sick/disabled as well as elderly, so removing the WFA from them in order to give to UC claimants is pointless as it just moves the hardship from one group to another.

That isn't correct.

dragonfly46 Fri 05-Nov-21 12:24:50

The fuel allowance is given to everyone. I have just had the letter saying I will receive £100.
I do not need this money and would be happy for it to go to more deserving cases.
I give mine away to charity every year.

Pammie1 Fri 05-Nov-21 12:23:12

The fuel allowance is only given to pensioners who qualify for pension credit, and that includes those who are sick/disabled as well as elderly, so removing the WFA from them in order to give to UC claimants is pointless as it just moves the hardship from one group to another.

lavenderzen Fri 05-Nov-21 12:21:39

And me!

MissAdventure Fri 05-Nov-21 12:19:15

Time for me to log off, I think. smile

Galaxy Fri 05-Nov-21 12:18:44

What are your thoughts.

b1zzle Fri 05-Nov-21 12:17:10

During a discussion on a recent Sunday morning programme, it was suggested that the fuel allowance should be taken away from pensioners and given instead to those suffering hardship as a result of the recent Universal Credit debacle ,,,