Winter Fuel Payments......

[ZedBloke]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20887547
Means tested, yes, why should millionaires get it just because they are over the qualifying age? While we are at it stop paying it to those living abroad.

[chaptazbru]

So you think he will be out at the next election then factor30 ?

[emmie]

NJ, i get ESA, but do not get the winter fuel allowance, my understanding is that it is applicable to people of pension age.

[Baldric]

^^^^ He's got that Clegg creature hanging 'round his neck, couldn't possibly win like that!

[factor-fiction]

>"So you think he will be out at the next election then factor30 "
He may be. But did he say he would never do it in his lifetime or just give a commitment for this parliamentary term.

[factor-fiction]

Anyway, it's clearly a Liberal proposal that keeps being floated

[emmie]

http://www.moneysupermarket.com/gas-and-electricity/winter-fuel-payment/

[chaptazbru]

LOL Baldric !

[emmie]

Who qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment?

To qualify for the payment in the winter of 2012-13, you must over 60. Or, to be more precise, your birth date must be on or before July 5 1951. You must also normally live in the UK, though in some circumstances you can receive the payment if you have moved abroad. Looking ahead, you will be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2013-14 if you were born on or before 5 January 1952, or 5 July 1952 for 2014-15.

There are some exceptions. You will not be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment if you are in hospital throughout the week of 17-23 September and for more than 52 weeks previously. And you cannot claim if you were in custody or subject to immigration control during the qualifying week in September.

Residents of a care home, an independent hospital or Ilford Park Polish Resettlement Home who have been living there for the previous 12 weeks or more - and who claim Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance - are also exempt.

[Khandro]

mrsspagnoli; //Stop payments to those not resident in the UK.// Having paid all taxes and N.I.Contributions throughout my working life in the UK and having after retirement moved to live in southern Germany thereby saving British taxpayers from financing my use of the National Health Service and many other things, why should I not receive the fuel allowance?

[chaptazbru]

Mrsp - you say it's not just pensoners who pay into society - working age people do to, BUT pensioners were working age once and have paid into society, often for many years, and still have to pay taxes. They did everything right, paid tax and NI to ensure a decent pension in old age, saved and paid their way and now people like you want them penalised !!! My Dad is one of these and he has NEVER asked anyone for anything, preferring to pay his way at all times - I resent (very much) your comments.

[jamesnan]

Saga runs a scheme called Surviving Winter Appeal, whereby those people who feel that they do not need the payment, can donate it into a charity to help older people who cannot afford the heating.

[pdq1]

Pensioners are just a drain on society. Take away their fuel allowance, let them catch pneumonia which puts them into hospital where they can be put on the Liverpool Care Pathway and die within a week.

[sandyRoe]

A week, as long as that? They'd be blocking bed if it took that long

[netibiza]

Well I live abroad and have only just this year been offered it! It still gets cold here maybe not for so long but so much damp!

[daffy654]

pdq1, I sincerely hope your last post was sarcasm/tongue in cheek! If not then your attitude is disgusting.

[baza]

I started work at 16 and had to retire 18 months ago due to health problems, I do not collect any benefits and still have a couple of months before I get the old farts payment of £100 per week.
pdq1 I do hope you were being sarcastic, otherwise I will come back and haunt you.

[sheribee]

Why do only pensioners get it? Unfortunately I claim benefits, and last winter we had no central heating, we couldn't afford to buy the oil. So with no double glazing, an open fire in the lounge where we burnt logs we found.
Why not young families too, we have to claim disability benefits too, and got no help!

[hc4361]

Sheribee, do you get the Cold Weather Payments?

Many pensioners don't get that.