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Donating Winter Fuel Allowance 2020

(52 Posts)
Cabbie21 Tue 01-Dec-20 10:05:11

I don’t mean this to sound like virtue signalling, especially as I dislike that phrase. I normally donate my WFA to a good cause. With all the different needs this year, I can’t decide. I would like to find a cause which is not getting any public funding this year, but not sure where to start.
Are you giving yours away this year?

Anniebach Tue 01-Dec-20 10:17:33

No, I need it

ginny Tue 01-Dec-20 10:22:55

I am using mine to send donations to 4 charities of my choice .

PamelaJ1 Tue 01-Dec-20 10:24:33

Sort of.
I don’t make a point of giving it away as a lump sum but give more than this amount to the food bank and other charities over the year.
At the moment I am trying to give a couple of bags of toys and gifts (new) to someone. I am waiting for a call to let me know where to take them.

henetha Tue 01-Dec-20 10:25:16

I plan to donate one third of it and keep two thirds of it
because, quite honestly, I need it. I'm not a well off pensioner.

annsixty Tue 01-Dec-20 10:27:39

I consider myself very lucky and I really do appreciate the fact that I can and do give mine away.
Mine is always shared by The Salvation Army for the good work they do all year and Crisis at Christmas for the few day hope and cheer they bring over the “festive season” although I am not sure about how they will achieve that this year.

kircubbin2000 Tue 01-Dec-20 10:53:09

Certainly not giving it away! We are entitled to this after paying tax.

Blinko Tue 01-Dec-20 10:57:28

Must admit I give mine away, well most of it anyway. This year, to the Salvation Army and, in view of the effect of restrictions due to Covid on people who are abused at home, Refuge.

I realise I'm fortunate to be able to afford it.

Grannynannywanny Tue 01-Dec-20 11:03:58

No, I’m afraid I’m counting the days till it arrives in my account. I’ve been receiving my state pension for the past 3 months and despite living as frugally as possible it’s yet to cover my monthly outgoings and each month has taken a bite from my dwindling savings.

It didn’t help having a roof repair and a car bill during that time.

Charleygirl5 Tue 01-Dec-20 12:32:29

Charity I am afraid begins at home and I appreciate the allowance we are given especially as I think this will be the last year. I give to two charities by monthly direct debit and neither receives a penny from the Government. Another charity I add to the annual subscription.

Urmstongran Tue 01-Dec-20 12:55:59

I gave mine away yesterday by donating to The Telegraph Christmas charity appeal. Four worthwhile causes close to my heart.

travelsafar Tue 01-Dec-20 13:04:48

We keep our as we both feel the cold and as i have arthritis and DH has COPD our heating has already been on for several weeks already. Its just lovely to know we can be warm with out worrying about a large bill arriving next year. Funnily enough i have just submitted meter readings to our gas and electric supplier this morning. Both accounts are in credit so that is reassuring after taking the payment for the two reading. The 200.00 plus our monthly DD hopefully will be enough for the next bill as we have the usually coldest months to go through yet. In fact the weather for our area on Friday is snow!!!!

FlexibleFriend Tue 01-Dec-20 14:27:57

I'll be paying mine to Octopus to go towards this winters bills.
This will be the first year I've received it so I'll be using it for it's intended purpose.

Susan56 Tue 01-Dec-20 14:41:55

We will be using it for the purpose it’s intended.This is our first year of being in the house all day every day so heaven only knows what our bills will be☹️

lemsip Tue 01-Dec-20 14:54:03

If I choose to donate it I would not announce 'my good deed' on here! As it happens it will be used to help me with fuel bills again!

Cfaz49 Tue 01-Dec-20 14:57:01

I need mine. I received it a couple of weeks ago and and it almost bought a half bulk tank of Calor gas. If I am careful it should see me ok until February.

janeainsworth Tue 01-Dec-20 15:45:43

The problem with broadcasting the fact that you’re giving away your WFA is that it is giving support to those who believe that old people don’t need these benefits and can manage perfectly well without them.
But many old people depend on it.
In fact, our state pensions are the lowest in Europe and we deserve every penny of the WFA.

Over the course of a year, I donate much more than the WFA to various charities.

But I’ve paid my NI contributions and I’m keeping my WFA, thank you.

BlueBelle Tue 01-Dec-20 15:50:59

How long does it take after getting the letter to going in your account?

Daddima Tue 01-Dec-20 15:56:28

I shall spend mine on brandy.

Kate1949 Tue 01-Dec-20 16:01:36

We're keeping ours too. We make regular monthly payments to three charities as well as giving to Christmas appeals etc. I know it's not much, but we donate the Christmas bonus usually.

Sarnia Tue 01-Dec-20 16:08:46

Anniebach

No, I need it

Same here.

Smileless2012 Tue 01-Dec-20 16:13:31

Mr. S.'s letter was dated 6th November BlueBell and includes a 'phone number if we haven't received it by December 23rd.

Charleygirl5 Tue 01-Dec-20 16:16:12

BlueBelle it is usually a few weeks. With luck, it should be in your account by mid-December.

I also agree with janeainsworth- by advertising, you do not need the money the Government may happily remove it from everybody, rather than leave it with those in need.

DanniRae Tue 01-Dec-20 16:17:51

Salvation Army - the same as last year.

annsixty Tue 01-Dec-20 16:30:08

I am not well off but have enough for my needs which at my age are very few.
Why do I now feel guilty for falling for answering a question?