Proof positive that the benefits system is potty

[naomi24]

We rang the appropriate government offices to tell them a family member had recently died, and the first question they asked was ‘Is she there with you now?’

‘No, she’s dead – that’s what I’m telling you’.

We filled in the forms they sent us and returned them, and have now received notification that her winter fuel allowance, that she has no hope of using because she’s dead, will be paid to us!!

No surprise the system is short of money! Crazy!

Any more examples?

[sandyRoe]

If someone is eligible for benefits in September then the fuel allowance for the following winter will be paid.

[Duncer]

"Is she there with you now" must be a strong contender for "Stoopid Question of the Year" award.

[ladybirder]

And Beso for Worst most Insensitive Answer Ever.

[THECORBYLOON]

The Winter Fuel Payment is part of the arrears due to the estate so it has to be paid but you are free to return it if you want to.

[sandyRoe]

The people in benefit offices work from scripts. If you were calling on behalf of someone the benefit people ask to speak to them to confirm that they can discuss their business.
In the case mentioned they probably weren't listening attentively.

[friedgreentomato]

If she was alive during the entitlement period the her heirs have an entitlement to that money. Not potty at all you would be surprised how many people contact us asking for the missing payments

[abstibus]

Here's more about the system:

http://www.belfasttel...inmates-16229627.html

[woofgang]

When my mother died, we had some problems with her gas supplier. They have a specialist bereavement line and one time when I phone them the lady (wrong script obviously) said to me "and do you have her permission to discuss her account" It was a stressful time and I am afraid i said "No, I'll dig her up and ask her, shall I?"
Again when my husband died I was phoning round getting direct debit details changed. Homeserve alone among all the rest, declined to speak to me as I wasn't the account holder. All of the other service and utility suppliers immediately made interim arrangements so that I wouldn't lose service. So Homeserve got a cancellation letter instead. I wonder what would have happened if I had needed their services.

[naomi24]

FGT, I wouldn’t be at all surprised at the number of people who contact you asking for payments and I can understand payments of arrears in pension being given - that's fair enough - but we are not 'entitled' to a fuel allowance designed to help older people get through winter. If the person it's meant for is no longer alive, and hence cannot use it, it shouldn't be given to their heirs. It’s simply ridiculous.

[woofgang]

but that fuel allowance may already have been needed for that winter before it is paid.....If you want to return it or give it to charity then feel free to do so. I felt that my husband had paid enough to the government for me to accept it and use it.

[naomi24]

What winter? She died in September - before winter commenced. What I do with it isn't the issue. The point is it shouldn't be given to me at all.

[gina32]

when my dad died i contacted the water supplier to tell them and they said ok if we find he owes us any money we will send him the bill for the payment, ok i said i'll send it on to him but i dont think youll get a reply!!!!!

[factor-fiction]

I wonder what their response was gina, although of course the bill has to be paid from the estate not by the deceased person.

[woofgang]

then send it back naomi.

[naomi24]

Woofgang, there's a principle here that you clearly aren't recognising.

[THECORBYLOON]

If someone budgets on the basis that they will receive the Winter Fuel Payment and uses their benefit to pay for the heating but dies before its receipt, is it not fair that the Payment is made to the estate?

[woofgang]

the principle for me is that the person was alive and entitled on the date when the benefit became payable and had made any monetary contribution required.
If you believe that you shouldn't have it, send it back. That way you will have behaved according to the principle that you believe in.