OT Winter fuel allowance.

[harry]

Just had SWMBOs and my Winter fuel check. I don't actually use any fuel. Still, it will come in handy.

[Bolted]

Think of it as a nearly dead bonus.

[Nightjar]

Although less handy than last year's. Personally, as someone who has no need of the supplement, I would support it being subject to a means test, provided that meant that those who really do need it would get more.

Colin Bignell

[The Natural Philosopher]

Bugger. Do you have to apply? I got a letter and forgot to do anything..

[Nightjar]

First time around you do, after which it is automatic. ISTR I eventually remembered to apply around March and still got it for that year.

Colin Bignell

[Tim Streater]

Did someone come round to check it then?

[The Natural Philosopher]

Of course: his cheque was checked by a Czech. Can't get the staff y'know...

[Baz]

What do you heat you house or Power your PC? Baz

[hugh]

If you have no need of it send it back. Means tests are very inefficient and are cruelly unkind on those just above the thresh hold. I favour increasing the benefit by 20% and then making it taxable income.

[David WE Roberts]

Interesting - I had a letter a while back telling me they would write to me this month to confirm I was eligible.

Unless the postman is working nights they have missed their target.

[Roger Chapman]

There have been suggestions recently that those who don't have a need for it should pass it on to those who do but where do you draw the line and how do you stop pensioners on modest means who live frugally being conned into passing their winter fuel payment on to those on much higher incomes who fail to live within their means?

[Tim Streater]

How does one do that?

[Andy Cap]

Send it to :-

Andy Cap PO Box3465 Sussex ;-)

[fred]

In article , Baz writes

That's a question you ask once and regret when you hear the answer, it's a v sad story.

[Terry Fields]

Basically, you can't.

Due to a mix-up last year, SWMBO and I both got paid the full amount. Despite letters and ph Terry Fields

[Roger Mills]

With difficulty! Mine isn't a cheque at all - it's a direct transfer into my bank account.

[Nightjar]

Mine too. I don't even get a notification, just a payment with the reference that is most of my NI number, followed by DWP WFP, which I take to mean Department of Work and Pensions Winter Fuel Payment.

Colin Bignell

[ARWadsworth]

harry uses the heat genereated by the friction between his right hand and his penis to heat his house.

[Andy Champ]

You can arrange that.

[Roger Chapman]

That's funny. I get a letter every year a few weeks before the payment is supposed to be sent to my bank.