Heating allowance for the over 60s....

[trt]

A friend of mine didn't realize that she was entitled to the winter heating allowance (£250.00) till I told her last Friday.

She downloaded the form on the internet and sent it off today.

Will she be entitled to it this winter, as we couldn't find a date when the the application should be in for this year?

[Buenchico]

Applications are valid until 30/03/11:
http://www.direct.gov...7?CID=furl-winterfuel

Chris

[Mamyalynne]

If she was 60 before July 6th this year it should be automatic.

[mike11111]

How old is your friend? It's no longer automatically paid at 60, but at variable dates depending on age until eventually you won't get it till you are 65. If your friend does qualify age-wise, she will get it for this year. I applied in November last year and got it for 2009, though it wasn't paid out till March this year.

[Mamyalynne]

http://www.direct.gov...etirement/dg_10018657

.

[mike11111]

Basically, if she already has free prescriptions and a bus pass she qualifies for the heating allownace.

[trt]

Buenchico
Applications are valid until 30/03/11:
.............................................
.............................................
.............

Buenchico,

Where does it say that on their website?

mamyalynne,
It didn't come automatic when she turned 60, neither did mine.

[mike11111]

It doesn't come automatically - you have to apply in the first instance, but it is automatic from the second year onwards.

[trt]

mike,
She was 60 last May.

[Buenchico]

Trt:
See my link above and, in particular, the final sentence of the 'How to Apply' section.

Quote:
"To claim for the 2010/11 payment The Pension Service need to have received the form on or before 30 March 2011"

Chris

[mike11111]

I reckon she qualfies then, but may have to wait a few months for the spondulicks.

[Mamyalynne]

Oh dear Chris, I do apologise, that seems harsh, by the way I am not eligible so was relying on what I have read, sorry to mislead.

[trt]

Thanks Buenchico and Mike,

Will let her know tomorrow.