winter fuel payments

[saintpeter48]

i have received my 250 lump sum winter fuel payment but have not received the £25 top up if temps remain below zero for 7 days, my brother and uncle have received theirs, is there a contact number i can phone or does anyone know the rules on the extra payments. thanks in advance for any help.

[Invictas]

This is the Goverments offical website for Cold Weather Payments:~
http://www.direct.gov...etirement/dg_10018668

and this is the DWP website for the Cold Weather Payments
http://www.dwp.gov.uk...old-weather-payments/

Hope this warms you up a bit!

[Invictas]

PS:~
The Govermnet website suggests ringing your Pension Centre(wherever that is!) if you are not receiving the £25.00 payments.
Mine just go straight into my bank,but do make sure that you qualify for them(the qualifications are on the Goverment website).

[hc4361]

Not every pensioner gets it. You have to be on means tested benefits.

[redman41]

If the Temperature remains at Freezing or below for 7 consecutive days you will receive the £25 Cold Weather payment automatically from Pension Service.
Your nearest Weather Station will probably supply Temp details to the Pension Service

[Invictas]

I agree with hc4361.
Although you are probably over 60 and getting the Winter Fuel Payment this does not mean you are automatically entitled to the Cold Weather Payment.
This is only payable if you are in receipt of any of the Benefits listed on the Goverment Cold Weather Payment website.

[hc4361]

Yes, my mother is in her 80s and doesn't get it, because she does not get Pension Credit or any other means tested benefit, but she does get the £250 lump sum.

[saintpeter48]

OK thanks, that seems to answer my query, i'm not on any benefits but i am a low earner, doesn't seem fair to me, but hey ho, lifes a bitch!!!!

[Invictas]

Sorry you don't get it saintpeter,
At least you DO get the biggy one,which makes £25.00 seem negligible.
I have been on Pension Credit for about 5 years and this is only the 2nd time (I think) that I have got the Cold Weather Payment!

[gingejbee]

hc; if your Mother is in her 80's, she should be getting lump sum of £400, btw.

[hc4361]

They're cutting the 'biggie' from next year.

My mother gets all of 93p a week above the limit for means tested benefit. It's a bit sickening what she has to pay because of it.
Still, there has to be a cut off point, I suppose.

[gingejbee]

I think that the Government is "looking at the possibility" at cutting the lump sum payment - not the same thing at all.

[redman41]

The Govt intend to move the Goalposts as far as Winter fuel Payments go ! 'Pensioners' will need to be 66years or over if proposals go ahead to curb payments

[boxtops]

That's a bummer then redman - I've been getting my WFP even though I'm still working. Can they take it away from people who are already receiving it, or will they say (in line with the changing pension age) that you have to be over 66 to start receiving it?