Winter Fuel Allowance

[numbnuts]

I've just got my winter fuel allowance, now what can I spend it on
but if it get's any warmer they might ask for it back

 

[Drago]

I spend all year hoarding wood for the fire, so when I get mine i'll be able to spend it on booze and fags.

 

[PhilDawson8270]

If not needed. How about donating to those more in need?

 

[Drago]

I'm a few years off getting it. How is it paid? Is it automatic in some way, or does one have to claim it? If it's the latter I won't claim it.

 

[numbnuts]

I'm a few years off getting it. How is it paid? Is it automatic in some way, or does one have to claim it? If it's the latter I won't claim it.

Mine is paid into the bank, you should get a letter when your 60 from DWP.

 

[Beebo]

I'm a few years off getting it. How is it paid? Is it automatic in some way, or does one have to claim it? If it's the latter I won't claim it.

It is automatic and universal, the government say it would be more expensive to means test it, so they give it to everyone.

 

[Drago]

Even if I were skint, i'd have no trouble keeping warm for free with my wood fire. I'd consider donating it to charidee when the time comes.

 

[Drago]

I've a children charity in mind for when the time comes.

 

[Drago]

I think everyone who is eligible for it should have it paid direct to the energy company and its then credited to their account.Then at least elderly people would be warmish and not spend it on other things.

I can just see Securicor delivering my winter fuel allowance to my woodpile.

 

[Drago]

Got gas heating, but in the main don't use it. Now we're both retired maintaining one of our two fireplaces with a fire in it is easy cos there's always someone home.

 

[User482]

It is automatic and universal, the government say it would be more expensive to means test it, so they give it to everyone.

So they say, but I do wonder why it couldn't be used to top up pension credits, which is already means-tested and goes to those who need it most.

 

[Asa Post]

I'm a few years off getting it. How is it paid? Is it automatic in some way, or does one have to claim it? If it's the latter I won't claim it.

If you already receive certain benefits, it will be paid automatically. If you don't receive any of those benefits, you have to make a claim. Once it's in place the future years should be paid automatically.

I didn't get any notification, and only found out I'm eligible after reading this thread and doing a Google.
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/overview

 

[snorri]

I've just got my winter fuel allowance, now what can I spend it on

I know someone who spends it on blades for a bushman saw.
If there's a better way of keeping warm in winter than sawing logs, I've yet to discover it.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

If not needed. How about donating to those more in need?

You should claim everything you're entitled to claim, and pay everything you're due to pay. That way the system works properly ans everybody knows where they stand.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

And claiming it doesn't stop you from then donating it...

After all, 'from each according to their ability, to each according to their needs' is supposed to be the principle that underpins our welfare state.

Define need. Many people could easily donate double the amount of tax they now pay as they could still live comfortably without it, but nobody chooses to do that, whatever their politics.