how many on here arnt entitled to the winter fuel payment I suffer terribly with the cold with Rhumatoid. But I won’t get it . I’m 70 this year so my heating won’t be going on I don’t no how I will manage just wrap up I suppose.
winter payment : how many on here arnt entitled to the... - NRAS
winter payment
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Soundofmusic52
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Have you looked at heated throw blankets? They are very economical to run & lovely & cosey to cuddle under. Look on Amazon…they have a big selection.
But I would urge anybody who is entitled to Pension Credit to apply for it.
If anyone is unsure about how to apply, I’m sure the CAB will be able to help out.
Yes, heated throws are a way forward, had mine years its like my trusty winter friend,,,,BUT, just watch the lead when you move and get up,,,, no trips please.
Thank you for your advice mine arrived yesterday and it is so cuddly!! Gentle hugs👍☕😘
also attendance allowance to look at and agree heated blankets lovely 🥰
Attendance allowance is available to so few……it is bound to be on the list of benefits under review as so many people receive it who are not entitled to.
I recently applied for attendance allowance and was turned down, I think they are being strictstricter now, I think my mistake was in filling in the form myself .
AA has always been strictly monitored….I think now a lot of applicants are wise to that & fill in the form accordingly. But do get some advice & re-apply.
It took me a couple of years applying for my 97 year old aunt…& when she was finally awarded it…you had to wait 6 months for the first payment…..& my aunt died before she received anything.
Attendance Allowance is being reveiwed and changed according to local newspaper showing on MSN thought you might like to know. Also PIP is being reveiwed which might be of interest to the none pensioners on here with chronic illness
Like a lot of oldies…..Personally I’m not eligible for anything …thankfully I am a coper.
I’m too old to apply for PIP, & too able to apply for AA….it seems once again it doesn’t matter that your health would qualify you for some help, ….but old age disallows you …it seems when you are old you are just supposed to expect to have something wrong with you…& jolly well get on with it! 😂
And they wonder why the elderly sick are bed blockers?
Agreed, recently when I was in hospital they could not wait to turf me out with my cancer, said they would rather I went home and took paracetamol. Fortunately for me I have been getting DLA for many years but only low level care, advised by DWP if my care needs increase to fill in a new form. Speaking from experience for health issues to count you have to be terminal or in a wheelchair or bedbound. That's right many elderly sick remain in hospital as they can no longer manage at home often in old run down houses. When many of us merely need help to stay independent at home . Older people need the same vetting as do the finances given by the government not just a one off across the board . But you are right by the time we do get old it feels like we are being cast on the scrap heap because we cope. enjoy your evening nice to have a chat even if its not all to do with health .
The thing is you can’t even get help if you can pay for it yourself.
At 80+ I am about to have surgery and I have been phoning around local at convalescent/care homes and the least time they want you in there is a month ….. I was just thinking about a couple of weeks to get back on my feet ……then I could sort myself out, but not at the thousands of pounds they want for a month.
My next point of call … as I live in a village near a big tourist town is to see what local hotels will cost for a couple of weeks .I won’t need any medical care …just breakfast in bed ……& presumably there would be night staff to call 111 if needed? I will have to go on a tour to see what is available.
Hi there again AgedCrone, Typed a reply but lost it . My friends brother went for local Premier Inn and they were very helpful. But hes now in a permenant home. I have a spare room to use if I need someone to stay like when I had knee replacement. Or if someone visits from overseas. Can social services not arrange a care worker till you are back on your feet. You are entitled for upto 6 weeks after an operation. The hotels do have facilities for ringing 111 and will bring food to bedrooms but its a bit hit and miss especially if they think you can manage. So good luck hope this advice helps.
Thanks for that info…but I was thinking more on the lines of a small hotel with only about 10 rooms who might have a room for a couple of weeks at the end of their season.
Altho our Premier Inn is next to Aldi & opposite Tesco…so I could always just have brekkie at PI..& lunch & dine in the supermarkets?But if I did that..I would be better off at home with OakHouse frozen meals wouldn’t I?
Hi AC before you leave hospital your discharge nurse will look at the care you need and a 'care package' will be arranged for the first six weeks. Hopefully you'll just need someone to pop in twice a day, but whatever you need they will arrange it for you. When you go for the pre op assessment make sure you tell them that you live alone so that they can put it in your notes for the discharge nurse. After the six weeks you may have to arrange and pay for any care yourself. Good luck with the op.
Hi AC before you leave hospital your discharge nurse will look at the care you need and a 'care package' will be arranged for the first six weeks. Hopefully you'll just need someone to pop in twice a day, but whatever you need they will arrange it for you. When you go for the pre op assessment make sure you tell them that you live alone so that they can put it in your notes for the discharge nurse. After the six weeks you may have to arrange and pay for any care yourself. Good luck with the op.
Next step the government will be culling us if we don't die of cold first
That’s about it isn’t it. I’m 76 this year, my husband will be 78. I really feel the cold and my poor old muscles, well my body in general feels awful but I’m going to have to get used to it.
I would never say we are poor - I’d say we are better of than some people and poorer than others.
However, we are very frugal with our heating and use of power, and our house definitely isn’t ever over hot. When my son comes to visit or I have friends in I turn it up specially but last winter I watched the smart meter and went to bed when I’d reached what we allow ourselves. We hardly ever use the oven and I do my housework and use the dishwasher on a Sunday between 10.00 and 4.00 with British Gas’s half price deal.
I wear fleece lined trousers most of the time - I’m wearing them already because I’m cold - I’ve been wearing M&S fleecy lined sweatshirts which are very cosy. Other than that I have lots of blankets lying around and I fill hot water bottles. I’ve got a heated cape that my husband bought for me when I had a shoulder problem that I sometimes put over my knees but it plugs in and I need to remember that before I move anywhere.
So, woollies, blankets, hot water bottles, fingerless gloves, vests, several layers of jumpers and a beanie hat for in the house and bed with a book when I get fed up with it all. I’d love not to have to bother about how much heat we use.
It’s worrying that the cost of living is increasing but we as pensioners have no way of increasing our earnings while pensioners seem to be a target for a government who appear to hate us - after all we were the first target almost before the chancellor had got her feet under the table.
And another thing these oh so smart politicians don’t seem to have looked up. When us oldies were saving for our old age…..we were not earning the salaries people are earning today. When we saved the amount we could afford,it was a fraction of what people earn & can save- today.
So all this rubbish being quoted that all pensioners are rich is not true. ..but young people can’t believe that back in the 1970’s a salary of £2500PA…was what people in good jobs were earning.
My first wage at 16 was £6.10 a week. And we couldn't as women join a pension scheme then.
Cor I thought it was brilliant when I was offered £1.000 per year...I felt very lucky and pleased with myself. Now......
Well said , that about sums up my existance too. Its very hard when we are in the not poor or rich group. My Gas without heating in the summer is around average of £15 a month for hot water, shower and small amount of none oven cooking. The bill goes into three figures in the winter with heating, my home is double glazed, fully insulated loft space, brick built and only me using the home, plus a boiler less than five years old. I think these proposals were unwisely introduced without any consideration for the sick or elderly and their extra costs in respect of their health issues, let alone the cost of repairing if they are a home owner like myself and many others. I loose my £200, get a ten% rise on the bill next month and a proposed 4% rise on my pension in April to cover all bill rises since last April not just fuel. This applies to every pensioner these figures do not add up and if I was an accountant I would of been sacked by now. Hint Hint but I am sure I will get through this but many others won't they will end up in an understaffed hospital. That's the reality . Enjoy your day .
Unbelievably mean
Octopus energy have free electric blankets you can apply for if you are a customer and eligible. Also they have a fund set up to help elderly - again needs applying for. Maybe contact your own energy supplier to see if they offer any help?
We used my husbands winter fuel allowance on logs for the woodburner and are very frugal using heat. We literally pick up any wind blown sticks and logs to age and burn. We are on oil heating being rural. Layering clothing a big help. Had gloves on in summer as Raynauds flared up. We tend to try to live in one room.
Oh, and old fashioned brushed cotton sheets in bed to stave the shock of a cold sheet.
You should try for Pension Credit and so look up Direct Gov and it’ll explain the rules. It’s based on Income so no need to qualify on health grounds. I actually do think the Fuel Allowance should be means tested its madness to pay to everyone based on age. Some people are solely reliant on state pension others not, so why should very one be treated the same? I do believe that there is a huge amount of people who need help and those in need should be helped and also the state pension should be increased to reflect rising fuel prices it should not be a supplement. My main concern is those on AA will loose it too. So in effect it’s making no distinction between needed through income rather than needed because of heath conditions. A sensible idea badly administered. It also might be a good idea to get your insulation checked as poor insulation makes bills higher. We are all electric but well insulated so bills are reasonable for the size of the property. But to be honest I’d like to see a much higher windfall tax on the power companies or it re nationalised to ensure fuel stability. Don’t forget too to register as vulnerable and that you getting all the other benefits you might be entitled too.
I’m sure it must be possible to tell who doesn’t need the allowance based on how much tax people are paying at present. Nothing has been done to allow for the rising cost of living and taking the cap off power at the same time doesn’t help and I agree with you about windfall taxes on power companies. The whole thing is a mess really.
I agree and think the same and I’ve been paying tax since I got my state pension. I know lucky as good pension and it rises with inflation so no need for the WFP but for some it’s vital. It needs to go to those who need it. But the amount of pensioners not taking up Pension Credit is awful.
I’m not really surprised that many aren’t claiming Pension Credit. So many people have been brought up to live within their means and save for that ‘rainy day’ - I bet never in their dreams did they think they would end up claiming Pension Credit.
Having done that all of your life it must be very hard to discover that the rainy day has now become a tropical rain storm and that no matter how much you economised and lived well within your means, thanks to successive governments moving the goal posts etc they now no longer have the cushion they had spent years planning for. Looking back they must wish they had blown all their money and lived beyond their means.
Apart from that a lot of elderly people are very ‘private people ’ and are not used to discussing their personal circumstances with strangers so the intrusiveness of the massive document you have to work your way through to get anything is just too much for them, even with help.
I’m not for a minute saying that very well off people should be getting the heating allowance - just that it must be possible to know how much income tax people are paying and make the decision based on that.
This decision by Reeves was designed for nothing more than to destroy people, the elderly in particular, it came so fast that it was obvious that it had been planned well in advance of them winning the election even though it was never mentioned in their election manifesto.
The WHA will make no difference to the very rich, in fact I doubt a lot of well off people are even aware of it but a lot of people were really counting on it.
I do agree and I only know about a lot of benefits as worked for Civil Service and Local Authority in recovery. In order to take action against someone you firstly had to make sure it was a 'just' or appropriate action so they had all the benefits credited to them that they were entitled too. Often a person just didn't but it was not only elderly but young people and most shockingly retired service personnel. It's a sad that the rainy day was one a lot were not prepared for. It's just my thoughts but Income Tax might be impossible as it doesn't reflect savings nor the ownership of property. So in effect any means tested benefit has to be problematical without an application asking questions. I believe that the last government were putting through legislation to look at bank accounts of claimants rather than just ask for copies of statements. I don't think it was to destroy people but it's a knee jerk reaction . I've interviewed a lot of people young and old and helped fill in thousands of application forms and think they've got too complicated and the problem now is that the use of computers has resulted in less face to face communication so less staff and less staff means long delays and more frustration. It didn't matter how old the person sitting opposite me was as the aim was to help them stay out of jail and get the debt paid. I'd like to see Pension Credit application forms sent to everyone on receipt of State Pension or earlier and that it asks about savings and income received from investments, property and any other source. I agree it is true that a lot of elderly people regard benefits as charity which they are not, but I'm now elderly and the new 71 is 51 as we live a lot longer now so my savings have to last a lot longer. That is also a factor that needs looking into. I'm lucky my pension is good and my husband gets inheritance rights as I do his but so many just don't have pensions and they need probably a bit more than an ad hoc payment. But its not Government money its our money so it has to be targeted at those in need.
Many need it when just outside of pension credits. These don't get the dentistry glasses etc either and pension credit folk have theirs made up If it's to the same as those just out if the criteria it's so unfair
Some may wish they hadn't worked so hard all their lives and took easier routes on benefits as they are rewarded it seems unfair
I know what you mean but I pay a hefty bit of tax on my pension which of course is fair and don't get any free treatment for anything dentist or glasses etc. In fact here the amount of NHS dentists is almost none. So it's private or rotten teeth and I worked all my life too and get my SERPS pension plus state pension but it's taxed so is that fair. Because I did save it means that the WFA is nice but not really needed in the same way as someone on just state pension. But is that fair on me after all I did make an additional contribution for my old age. I don't wish I had not worked so hard as its made my retirement enjoyable. I've never said not get it, it but means test it, so like CTAX or HB etc the amount received is dependant on the amount of income and savings. Tarif Income might knock out a few but thats fair and it really isn't that difficult and could be assessed by Local Authorities through the Benefits system or DWP by application. Id like to see it targeted to people who need it and they may not even be older. There are a lot of families who are in awful difficulties these days and in the Foodbank it's heartbreaking to think that the level of need is so high.
agree. So sad. Moreso if working and ends don't meet.
Exactly….HMRC knows exactly how much each person receiving a UK state pension has coming in every year. So -it can’t be beyond these geniuses to say everybody receiving more than £X PA will not be entitled to the Winter Fuel Allowance?
I know a lot of people who would freely agree not to take it…but all governments bleat that means testing is “too expensive” …so why not just open an account where it can be recorded that those who admit they don’t need it..,just accept it ..but pay it back? That is not exactly difficult to understand is it? Let’ face it..if I understand it…it can,t be 😁
I think it’s more complicated as there will always be someone a pound over who says it’s unfair. I think only fair way is an increase in pension and then it could be taxed so those who are higher income in effect get less. I actually don’t know anyone who needs it and one person who gets it lives in Spain.
Well that seems to be what is happening now if the increase of £460 we are forecast to get next April actually happens….That will mean those already paying tax on their state pension…will pay even more tax. So I don’t think fairness seems to enter any of this.
How can it be “fair” that oldies paid contributions for their state pension for years, then when some genius works out a new system …..decides those who retired more recently get significantly more?Yes oldies get Serps…but again they paid higher contributions right up until their retirement date.
I think somebody should buy the Goovernment a new computer system,& employ somebody who knows how to use it!
But our pension contributions were paid before tax. Life isn’t fair a lot of the time and it could be argued that those who live in bigger houses should get more as it costs more to heat them. Nothing is simple about this nor easy to resolve but things do change when I started work HB claims for the whole boroughs paperwork fitted in one filing cabinet. By the time I retired it filled an entire basement. I just think that society has a duty to care for the less well off but it has to have limits.
Hello AgedCrone, although the tax office know exactly what I receive in state pension Iam still waiting for a tax return to be sent and details of how much I have to pay from my state pension. Before I know whether I can claim pension credit, or any other low income benefits . As benefits are supposed to be based on net income after tax . Wonder how many other pensioners are in the same position,? amassing a tax bill through no fault of their own . All the costs for administration would more than cover the fuel payments I am sure.No unfortunately I do not have a private pension only a small amount of savings from thrift.Your right fairness does not enter into this . Thank you for mentioning SERPS I get that from working and paying into another of the government schemes. My husband worked all his life so I get his SERPS as he died just after retirement after working all his life from 14 to 65. Some pensioners are only getting the old basic state pension which on average is £50 less than the so called new pension.Agreed someone is not that good on the computer. Enjoy the rest of your day hopefully no more guns will be fired at the pensioners in the budget in October.
The way .HMRC seem to calculate how much tax you pay…..is to add up your gross income -deduct your tax free income, around .£12k+ atm, then you pay tax on that result. But I believe any savings over £16,000 have to be declared
In my case, the tax due is deducted from my private pension. So it’s in one account, then out of another.
So whatever increase I may receive annually on my private pension, is reduced by any extra tax due on any state pension increase.
So as I said before HMRC know exactly what your take home cash is….so they know if you are due Pension Credit. it’s ludicrous you have to fill in a form to apply for it.
So I guess if you have savings that is where confusion can occur…I don’t know how they deal with that…because savings presumably go down not up each year?
Hi AgedCrone, your right savings throw out some calculations. If you have over £10000 in a bank account as a pensioner you pay a tarriff sum on any rate rebates, but if you have over £16,000 you cannot claim rate rebate. In respect of tax you only pay tax on interest over £1000 earned in anyone year. The amount of savings does not count its the total interest in anyone year. To receive the 25%rate rebate off for those living alone it is just that you have to live alone other circumstances do not count. I believe the tax allowance for singles is £12650 before tax is liable. But if you only get state payments of pension any tax will come off your net benefit as many do not have private or personal pensions to pay it from. So that constitutes a reduction in the net benefit you are entitled to, not sure how legal that is and also reduces the benefit you have to pay your rates from. Believe me this is a case of reducing pensioners rights not just juggling the figures to make the books balance.
The personal tax allowance for a single person for 2023/24 is actually £12,570. If what yiu say is right….I must have been missed out… I have had the 25% Council Tax single occupancy rebate ever since it was introduced…way before I was a pensioner & nobody has ever asked how much money is in my Bank account….at times when buying & selling houses it could have been £10k+.
So how would this Tariff have been be collected?
People with savings should consider taking advice about putting their savings into ISA accounts where all the interest is tax free…& at the moment some are paying 5% interest. You are allowed to put up to £20,000 pa into an ISA.
But as you say all these figures that are flying around are put out just to confuse. . I have just read that if you are on the low old state pension …as those who received their pension before 2016 are … they won’t get this money that is apparently being paid out next April but I can’t find out exactly why?
Hello again, I am not completely sure about the taxable income but its not going to change till 2028. Like yourself I have been getting the single person amount since it started as I have been a widow now for 20 years next month. My freind has an ISA account , I had one myself way back when first a widow. Guess it will take till 2028 to fathom it all out then it will be changed again. Some snippets are just aired to confuse the issue. Its probably some new rule that was set when they introduced the new pension scheme. . I've been a pensioner since 2008, I recall some mention of it all being streamlined to the new way but can't recall the year, to do with equality. We have not been notified todate about any changes next year. Thank you for the chat enjoy your evening , its still quite sunny here and lovely blue sky.
You should apply now as the Gov can work this out and it won’t be backdated if in a couple of months you find you do qualify. So tarif income might apply but if I were you I’d send that application in asap.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if RR takes away the tax-free interest benefit on ISAs next month. She obviously doesn’t have a conscience & many people have many thousands in ISA interest, so she would really hit the jackpot if she stopped that. If I were her mother….I would tell her Wot For🤯🤯🤯
Hi medway-lady, I presume you mean a rate rebate form as you talk of tarriff income , I get rate rebate but now they will have to reassess me if they take the 25% single persons off as that's another £500 a year to find even in the low band council tax. Maybe even this year if they bring it in in the October budget. As someone says how do we find the extra money our income is going up by around 4% but we are losing 25% alone in council tax allowances. THe maths don't add up do they. !!!
It's the cost of standing charges on electricity and gas that bugs me. What used to cost just pennies is really hiked up now. It's really adding too much to the price of energy bills. I think it's just a rip off and it's about time something was done about it.
I went to a pre paid metre. Love it. I'm in control and no standing charge. Top up at a local shop or on line. No hastle I'm with Utilia
Thanks cup cake 7, I'll look into that, although I always thought it was more costly to be on a prepaid meter?
I hope I'm not getting it wrong eg
It's more for first 2kwh at 55p for electric. then goes to 22p
I love that I'm in complete control as had a bad time with Scottish Power I'm with Utilia I top up on-line , by phone or go to local shop with a card I wish I'd done it a long time ago
They are thinking about the standard charge reduced for pay as you goThe
pre payment
Is a godsend for lots
No bills ,no high direct debit ,and your in control ,your more alert to wot you use as well ,
I've never used the emergency yet
Not for everyone those
But if you had enough of bills direct debit and the company's taking too much and your in credit, that all goes ,
Our welfare rights have 100 percent feed back they said
The company's don't like you on the ore paid metres
Best thing I ever done
I agree, that they should find away of means testing it, or looking at tax paid. There are many pensioners who are comfortably off who don’t need it. However there are many just literally a few pounds over the amount needed to get pension credit. My mum is one of those. Her 2 sisters in-law both were just under, and qualify, so they have more than mum on a monthly basis and will get the WFP, whilst mum struggles. Mum always says when she first started working, they were advised to only pay the small stamp in national insurance, not realising it is impacted their state pension. When my mum retired her pension was less than a pound a week, because of the small stamp issue, and only working part time. My dad passed away 10yr ago, so she gets 50% of his pension. I believe some councils have set aside funds to help those that need help but don’t qualify, but that will come at a cost in what public services in the area receive, whereas the WFP doesn’t impact local services.
I must be older as I remember married woman’s stamp contributions but in those days woman who married were still thought of dependant on husbands. I know I worked with a few their jobs were for pin money an old expression for didn't really need to work. And then things were changing too . I was told you pay you NiNo and when you need it the state will pay you a pension, free prescriptions, you’ll get seen by a GP the list goes on. But I’ve always paid my NiNo didn’t get a pension till 67 not 60, go private to see a dentist, and now GP that’s in my view the biggest problem. If we could put right the desperate state of the NHS for all pensioners I’d give the government more money in tax to know it was going to improve. It could be calculated on a sliding scale as HB is the more you have the less you get. Our Council has a fund to help people and I think most do and I’d urge you to find out about it where your mum lives. I’m sure the funding for Local Councils connected to hardship is not affecting local services as it’s money set aside by the Government to be administered by LAs. I hope your mum is applying for Pension Credit if she hasn’t already done so as it sounds like she is one of the people they are trying to reach out to and it’s worth more than the WFP as paid no matter winter or summer. I wonder if with the climate warming if it’s more vital as heat can be just as dangerous as cold.
My mums already enquired about pension credit, and falls just above the threshold, so told she can’t get it. She’s in Scotland, and when my sister enquired with the council they didn’t have funding set aside.
I agree I think most who could afford it, would happily pay the extra if we knew it was going to the nhs and it would make a difference.
That’s so unfair in Scotland where it’s colder surely it’s even more of a priority. You could try writing to your MP and ask why different in Scotland as tax is paid regardless of which bit of the UK. Just shows how the system needs really a major overhaul not just tinkering with. X
I also think the real issues like people dying in hospital corridors, waiting 3 weeks to see a GP, years to get surgery, worst cancer treatment times for years, no dentists, huge prescription charges, homes without insulation, people without secure tenancies, so many children without school places, the list just goes on but people are worried about £300 when so many huge issues need sorting out. I’d give it back if it went to the NHS too. In fact last year I donated to Ukraine to help with medications for wounded soldiers. A lady in our village has a brother fighting.
But Scotland’s governing body decide where to spend the money…income tax is different & there are free prescriptions etc……you can’t have it all.
Hi there lots But this nasty government have stopped it
So many will feel this - OH and I are fortunate we both had good company pensions which means we do not need it and often donated it to Age Concern (oh and he has just qualified for his extra 25p a week less tax of course!!😁) Means testing is not a bad thing but it needs to be set at a liveable amount
I totally agree with the government decision to withdraw the winter fuel allowance and means test it. Too many people who didn’t come close to needing it, got it.
I do however, think the parameters could be altered to include people who are on the fringes.
There are lots of suggestions here and I hope you find a way to manage. I too feel the cold very quickly, I just heat the rooms I as I’m using them and have an electric blanket, and can manage in that way. I know and am thankful that I am fortunate.
The same government said this impact coukd cause 4000 deaths And have not done an impact this time on the deaths
Recent impact not on deaths
1.6 disabled have lost this
It's cruel
I'd say should pensioners have to depend on it ? UK pensioners recieve the lowest state pension in Europe,even with the triple lock .Sadly this and other proposals in budget is to pay back debt left and to redress the future as teenagers now won't have a state pension to speak of ,as in the future it's unaffordable
I wrote to me Labour MP as soon as it was announced. Said with RA and Osteo I need heat in the winter and my Aircon in the summer when we get the silly heat we can get nowadays as it really affects my pain levels. Plus I mentioned being a 1950's woman we were already being killed off with no pension when we expected it and now even more so with no heating allowance. Basically she said tough, she agreed with the higher pension age and spurted they had to do something because of the deficit in the coffers. I top our energy bills up with my pip but I can see that being cut right down too. We're not rich but not poor we're just comfortable. I've voted Labour all my life but am so very disappointed and angry at the moment! I'm looking at heated blankets too. I cannot stand to be cold.
I feel the cold terribly. We have had our central heating on from August 2023 until the end of April 2024! In the middle of the summer this year I felt cold so went to bed. Later my husband came up to see if I was okay. I was lying in bed with my huge thick duvet on and underneath I had on my knickers, pyjamas, fleecy dressing gown and my sheepskin bootees! I have an electric throw downstairs and an electric blanket on the bed. I wouldn’t put it on which is why I had all those clothes on. My husband does not feel the cold and sleeps in another bedroom with a summer weight thin duvet. The winter fuel payment takes some pressure off the fuel costs for heating. This year I shall be worrying about it more. We are not poor but with fuel costs likely to go up this year again I am really worried. People who don’t understand just say “well turn your heating down, it’s hot in here”. When I get cold the pain increases. When you can’t move around freely you don’t get warm quickly. The winter fuel payment has really helped us and it will be really missed. Normally I don’t wear long sleeved clothes as they make me itch and scratching my arms causes bleeding. So I have bought myself some super soft long sleeved tee shirts meant for men to try to wear when it gets colder. Hopefully if I pull the sleeves up it will still keep me warmer and allow me not to itch so much. Oh, and by the way, I am not sitting in one of those million pound houses all the younger people seem to think we are living in.
Maybe the situation a lot of older people find themselves in now will encourage youngsters to actually join their company’s pension scheme?Or whatever comes in to replace pensions.
When I started a job I stayed in for .20+ years joining the company pension scheme was compulsory…& being honest I do wonder if I would actually have joined voluntarily? After all….when you are 20….you think you will never get old!
It is also worth remembering that company pension schemes are not final salary schemes anymore, at least not in the private sector. When I was working in my 20s (in the 1980s) they stopped final salary schemes. A lot of companies made it so you had to have been with them 2 years before they let you join a company pension, and it is now rare for people to work for the same company for life, or even more than a couple of years. Then we had SERPS. Opting in, opting out, and finally (too late for me) private pension schemes.
The whole of the pension system has been a mess for years, and it has left people, especially women, in financial difficulties.
What is now on offer for young people is very different to what was on offer to us many years ago, whether it is voluntary or not.
Yes young people today are seeing how we older people thought we were doing the right thing to ensure we had a decent income to add to our state pension …either by joining a company scheme or starting contributing to our own private pension . They see how what we signed up for was not honoured…so they are not inclined to seek financial advice for something they don’t trust.
Don't underestimate the young! "Prior to AE, [automatic enrolment] only 24% of 22–29-year-olds working in the private sector were active members of a pension scheme. That’s now 85%, the largest increase across all age groups. "
From the Association of British Insurers blog from 2022
I,’m not surprised…part of my last job before I retired in the 1990’s was advising new employees about both the company pension scheme & taking up the Private Medical benefit.
I remenber one young man with a wife & baby…..declining both- saying what it would cost him was his Beer Money! Looks like the younger generation have woken up. Although how it will all turn out…who knows?
Not having enough money to keep your home warm is a rotten position to be in and the government should do whatever it takes to address this in the twenty first century.
However, I grew up in a house with no double glazing, no central heating and no indoor bathroom. Another coat on the bed in winter. I vowed when I had the money I would NEVER live in a cold house again. We are not poor, nor rich, but I would give up holidays, cars eating out and anything else before I’d turn the heating off.
I know of several rich, really rich, people, who have really chilly houses because they wouldn’t pay to heat them. Designer bags, jewels etc but a really strange thing about not paying for heat. (I suppose you can’t see it!).
It’s terrible that the clock has gone back and there are people who really can’t afford to put the heating on. I hate the thought of it.
We seem to miss all the benefits by a small margin, husband gets DLA so doesn’t qualify for Attendance Alllowance, plus the form to fill it in is almost as bad as the PIP form, enough to put you off. Our fire has been on all Summer (Ha ha) if you could call it a summer. My husband has been so cold because he had his thyroid removed and has other health problems. We live in Scotland, dread to think what he will be like in December/January. We used to buy logs with the WINTER fuel Payment. I bought him one of those jackets that heat up with a battery pack which is good but in this day and age we shouldn’t have to do this. The country is in a shocking state.
I think it's absolutely obscene and i think the plan is to kill people off.
Was just saying to my husband this morning I think Esther Ranzen will find her ‘right to die’ bill will have no problems getting through now.
Interesting thought snd quite terrifying too
I fear you are right , and also remember if you own a home half of that goes straight to government when you pass, it is diabolical.
’if you own a home half of that goes straight to government when you pass’? Can you explain please. And pass what? An exam?
Die.
if you don't know what passing means you must live a very solitary existence.
I bought a fleece onsie last year, it’s so warm and cozy.
I love mine too
me too I love mine...just need a bit more time when visiting the loo!!
No good if you have a weak bladder 😂
It costs pennies to run an electric blanket. If you have one, don't be afraid to use it because of the cost. By the time it takes to brush my teeth, the bed is already warm.
Heated vests /gillets are said to be good , they come with a power bank for recharging. They are around £30 & can be bought on Amazon (there are also heated gloves too). Maybe family /friends can help with the cost (an early Xmas present . ) The Government targeting pensioners is absolutely unbelievable, a sheer disgrace. What on earth is the once GREAT Britain coming to !!!!
It's one of the meanest decisions in political history. Train drivers earning £60k are likely to be awarded a payrise but the poorest in society will lose a measly £300. Even the Unions say it's wrong. Labour are tone deaf here and if they'd done this in year 3 of their tenure would be voted out. As Age UK say, it's a 3% cut in pension in reality. It's no good labour talking about pension increases. That's next April, will be taxed and after the increase in fuel in October.
So many older people have never claimed in their life and to forcing them to claim will be a point of shame for many. How have we come to this that we have a government with a huge majority making decisions that cannot be challenged because of the size of their majority. I'm pleased to say my MP voted against it (Labour in Norwich).
Shameful
It is a very mean decision. I was listening to BBC Sounds Newscast podcast this morning - all about the NHS.
Makes quite shocking listening but someone said they thought the public would forget it over time - considering some people still go on about ‘ Margaret Thatcher - milk snatcher’ I wouldn’t count on that although I suppose those of our age group who will suffer most will be dead by then so perhaps people will forget.
Unfortunately our brand new Labour MP who was previously a town councillor where I live voted in favour of scrapping the winter fuel allowance.
Apparently councils are looking to see where they can bridge the gap. The stupid thing is that any administration of this plus more people claiming pension credits will mean there's no saving at all in the end. And for what? Terrible decision
Plus …by giving state employees big pay increases….thus enhancing their Gold Plated pensions that are now out of reach to the private sector…they will be heading to bankrupt the country when those pensions are paid out. No doubt a lot of us won’t be here then….but you youngsters among us….think very carefully who you vote for.
But tbh it probably won’t make one iota of difference!
So if people work in the public sector and their pay rises get publicity does that mean it’s unfair? I don’t know how much M&S gave as a pay rise nor BA or Virgin or the local pub landlord so because someone works as a teacher, police officer, Local Government building inspector or doctor or even that pesky train driver why does it matter ? It can’t but society needs them.
What I was trying to point out is that all these super big pay increases & how pensions will be affected does not seem to have been thought through. Although Public Sector pay has always been common knowledge to those who care about such things……when decisions are made affecting future outgoinpayments…..Chancellors would normally have their accountants point out future obligations…& that doesn’t seem to have happened..& if it goes on for 5 years…there could be more than a £22billion Black Hole encountered by whoever takes over in 2029.
But by then I shall probably be Ga!Ga! So won’t give a damn if it’s fair or not!
But you’ve ignored the fact it’s based on age not need . That’s the hinge it is mean to take it off a pensioner just on state pension but not on those who have large private pensions. Nor the fact it’s paid to people who live abroad. They have to means test why should someone on £10k a year get the same as someone on £100k a year. I’m not sure of the connection to train drivers isn’t it the case that all public sector employees haven’t had reasonable pay rises for years and that includes doctors. I don’t think that comparison is anything more than media stirring. And the pension credit is to help people most in need if it’s not applied for then how can anyone say it’s not needed. The whole issue is need and that can only be calculated by a means test.
Most pensioners live on a very modest income and do rely on this cash to pay the winter fuel bills. I think it’s wholly unacceptable to disadvantage so many people with one swoop of the pen, without doing an impact study first. There are other ways to target this payment…Martin Lewis suggested that it should be paid to those living in council tax band A-C homes for example. They could stop the payment to high rate tax earners or as you say those who live abroad. This has been a rushed decision with no thought to the consequences.
Very true but then just because someone lives in a smaller home doesn't mean that they don't have £100k in the bank. Even Martin Lewis said means test it as only fair way. I watched his ideas too. And the bands are based on 1990 values a house in Wandsworthor Clapham or even here back then just say in Band C might now be H, could also be on number of residents too. Never updated so huge extensions and new houses are probably undervalued. What happens to the roof tax on new dwellings its something like £750 a house for infrastructure but where is that infrastructure? Whole system is worn out, tired been tinkered with too many times and staff are worn down and yet no one seems to have the courage to just go back to the start and look at it completely. I'm radical I suppose and think it goes back to the you should be able to get it, if not paid in but how many people have never worked and isn't it unbelievable how many are sick now. If someone needs help then don't limit to £300 but don't give £300 to everyone. Thats my idea. Means test and give more to those in need usually up north as here winters that are really bad are rarer.
I agree it’s a very tricky situation and there will be those that don’t need it, but by doing this so quickly and without thought, those that rely on it lose out and this includes disabled pensioners. I just think an impact assessment along with finding a fair system should have been done first before leaving vulnerable people out in the cold.
They can't stop the payments to those who live abroad as it's an EU law. Must be something the last government accepted in the Brexit agreement.
Means testing will cost far more than it costs to to pay out. As happened during last labour government, vast swathes of administrators were employed by various government departments to administer and audit various functions. To penalize anyone on £12k a year is criminal.
I disagree, not everyone is being penalised and I've worked under both Labour and Conservative Governments doing this. Means testing just means the benefit can be targeted. Otherwise how do you know if it's needed? no simple answer. Pension Credit can be applied for, for those most in need. Why should someone getting state pension plus private pension get it? I don' t think so, so it has to be tested and on a hopefully sliding scale like other benefits so perhaps the less well off get more through pension and it can be taxed. I do think those on AA should not loose it and perhaps those with certain health conditions but pension Credit is the way forward rather than ad hoc to everyone. Especially when living abroad or owning two cars etc. Its a sad fact that giving £300 of taxpayers money to those is the abomination.
Many people live abroad because they can’t afford to live in the uk. People living in caravans in Spain come to mind that eeek out their state pension to survive
That is not correct to get residency in Spain legally that is, you must have a level of income over £600 a month or I think £28 k a year. And to have lived their for 5 years so your talking perhaps about living in the sunshine for a few months and coming home for periods often to get medical treatment. I know someone who comes home to see heart consultant and prescription. It’s un unfair to Spanish people as house prices go up as does living costs due to inflated demand by sun seekers on pensions.
It’s 100% correct. People have lived there for years. Plus pension is £900 pcm
Nope full basic old pension is £170 new £221 if having 35 year contributions that depends on age either way and if opted out anyway it's fixed if going abroad and must live there (Spain) for 5 years anyway. My point is that if its means tested its fair and I don't think people necessarily have to be old either to get it. Like Housing Benefit its not the same for every claiment. But I do really believe if living abroad it must be stopped. The mistake is stopping it for people on AA. As they are ill and might even be terminal so need the extra warmth. But for a lot of people especially with SERP pensions it isn't needed it's just a nice little bonus. I sent mine to Ukraine for bandages via a friend and I know a lot who've given to charity or bought a new golf club. I don't mean to sound off, but just think its not simple and changes need to be made to whole benefit system to make it fit for todays world of mobile claimants and it has to be seen as a right but not necessarily as unfair as it might first appear. It needs to be made simpler and Pension Credit is better although some will always fail to receive it. Tarif Income is the bug bear. I'd lay money on thats why a lot but not all are refused.
I swear we are reverting to Victorian times.
We are going to struggle can't get any benefit own our own home a small old end terrace which is terrible to heat but if we don't put heating on it feels damp in the air .I have ILD and had my thyroid removed plus we are both riddled with the dreaded arthritis. So blankets ect don't work for us we are not rich in any way . I know there are worse off than us we have a friend who sits in a library or just visits friends all day it's no way to live being wrapped up in layers of blankets or having to go to bed early . I fear for a lot of my friends on PIP as the government are still debating cancelling cash payments and giving vouchers and grants that will really add to the struggle .
Have you looked into heating and insulation grants? and your local council might have a fund to help those most in need. Ours does, and our parish also has a lot of money through benefices to help buy fuel for pensioners. It used to be coal now it's all fuels as its rules were made when coal was the only form of heating. It's worth looking into usually the local vicar or priest will know.
Plus check all your benefits are applied for like CTax Benefit as well as Pension Credit. Ask your local CAB or ring the council for advice.
The cancelling cash is a bit odd as payments are made usually through bank credit and so the claimant would go to the bank to take out cash. And it used to be that Housing Benefit was paid to landlords direct anyway, that only changed about 10 years ago and a legacy from the make people more responsible theory of a previous government that never worked. It is now thought to have increased debt, given landlords the ability to charge huge rents without being accountable for the state of some properties. Plus some claimants never paid the landlord and the rent arrears accrued and then it was eviction. It might help if Councils had more control over landlords and could then force improvements on them by taking the rent to pay for the repairs. It's how it used to be done. I've done the orders to take rent for projects from landlords. It works to improve the housing conditions for people who otherwise are at the landlords mercy. Now no checking and benefits get paid for people living in sheds.
If cash Benefit payments were stopped Benefit claimants in countries where this happens are usually given a credit card with the Benefit amount awarded as the credit limit on the card. But it will also have limits on what people can buy…like no alcohol, or cigarettes. People have to use what other funds they have to buy these banned items. It seems to work ….& it might just encourage people to give up smoking.
But I don’t expect it would be welcomed with open arms.
That happens in America and for all the young men who seem to claim now it’d be a very good thing. How do people with no money get iPhones and cigarettes? X
They don,t …..but most of those with these cards do work for cash in hand.
Supermarket cash tills are set up with a list of items not allowed through the tills……it doesn’t seem to cause much problem….the forbidden item is just left on the shelf life goes on.
You're right. It's no way to live. It's a terrible decision
We have several people in our lane that are retired, and all have two, sometimes three cars (only two people living in that house, why do they need three cars?), go on multiple holidays abroad every year, weekend breaks between times, have recently put in new kitchens, and in once case paid about £30,000 to have a new garden designed, ripping out the old one completely, plants (including some beautiful roses)and all.
I am glad that they won't be getting the winter fuel payment.
Jealousy is a sin
It's not jealousy, it's the real world
Do you live in my road ? as same here even in this house!
Not jealous, I am not retired so don't qualify for winter fuel payments. Nor do I want some over paid strangers coming in and ripping out all the plants and wildlife from my garden. I am perfectly happy with our one car household and have refused to fly to go on holiday because I want a planet left for my son to live in.
But I do feel deeply for all those that are losing the WFP when they are just over the threshold.
A sliding scale would have been better to avoid those that narrowly lose out, with higher payments for the worst-off.
My parents used to give me their WFA because they didn't need it. So even though I'll be losing it, I still say my parents shouldn't get a payment they don't need and they'd agree.
I used to split mine between our local Salvation Army collector and Crisis at Christmas.
I also gave a problem with the cold causing me pain. I was looking forward to a little help next year. I’m gutted and disgusted with this new government. The way it’s going I’ll be changing my vote next time.
I am not eligible either and I too have Rhumatoid arthritis and COPD, looks like staying in bed under the duvet
This is not a good decision. It breaks my heart to read this thread and the worry that some people have about paying their bills. My mum is 80 in a few weeks, is by no means well off, but she will not get her allowance this year. She doesn’t qualify for pension credit either. She has osteoarthritis and the cold greatly affects her joints. On hearing this news she said (and I quote)…”Sod ‘em, I’m putting my heating on when I need it…if my account goes in the red…what they gonna do about it? I’m paying every month so what can they do? Bu**er all! I’ve always paid all my bills on time…and it’ll get paid eventually!”Go momma! 😂
Maybe all the OAPs should take the same stance…there’s more than one way to protest!
So true and make sure she is on the vulnerable list as well. Water and Power.
Yes, I put her on that after my dad passed away a couple of years ago.
Does everyone one know British Gas have a Vulnerable Customer List?
A few years back in a very snowy, very cold February….my water tank leaked through the ceiling I had to call out British Gas at 8 pm. They turned up at 9 pm and were there emptying everything they need to empty until 3 o’clock in the morning..
The next morning, BG telephoned me & asked if I had any other form of heating..& explained how they could help.
Luckily my house insurance covered the situation and they paid for me to stay in a hotel for two weeks whilst it was all sorted out.
I have moved from that house now, but whilst I was still there pretty regularly British Gas Phoned during the winter to make sure everything was working as it should.
Other utility suppliers may have a similar system….worth checking.
I love her attitude 🙂My mum would have have been exactly the same .
invest in a heated throw from Lakeland or other shop. They are marvellous and about b1 penny an hour to run. I have two one on the top of the bed and one downstairs. You won’t be cold with one of these. They are washable too. If got family ask for an early Xmas present . Let me know how you get on. See if your entitled to Attendance Allowance.
if you are a single pensioner, the gov is now thinking about removing your 25% single person community (old poll) tax on your house. As not quite 67 yet, but a widow for 26 years, this increase would be nothing less but a tax on single people. I have families around me with 2 parents, and one or more adult children living in the house all working but only paying the community tax (for 2 people). Instead of penalising people for being single and removing their 25% discount which should really be a 50% discount if the tax is meant for 2 people households, they should charge 25% for more than 2 working adults per household - this surely would bring in more money for the gov and be fairer!!!!!?
Yes I've never understood why paying 75% was called a "discount" when couples pay 50% each.
That was tried as the Poll Tax back in the 1980’s…..It didn’t last long.
B——y hell that brings back memories. I walked through rioters with police escort. Had water, eggs and sugar thrown at me, got front page of Daily Mail and wore stilettos and shoulder pads. Now the shoes are flat, the shoulders hunched and old age has turned the hair grey but oddly enough the issues of benefits in those days still haven’t been resolved yet just tinkered with.
In fact the idea that every adult paid the same seemed quite a good idea but councils over priced it and that was when John Major introduced Council Tax around 1990, and instigated the 25% single tenancy discount. Small wonder then that such a discount is now rumoured to be cancelled in next month’s budget….yet another swipe at the elderly who presumably are the least likely to riot? But are also the least likely to be able to afford it…especially after losing the WFP.
I always understood poll tax , it is fairer, each adult paying same amount. What is wrong with that ??
Nothing is wrong with it…but those who didn’t want to pay made a LOT of noise…like the people rioting in the streets today.
And instead of Govt standing up for decent citizens willing to contribute to their country’s economy ….they hit on the most vulnerable & brought in the Council Tax. …where OK an oldie paid only 75%….but at that time I lived next door to three very highly paid young men…,& they only paid 1/3 each of what I had to pay.
Looks like I’m at the same disadvantage today!
It's not just pensioners who have lost out, there's been a crafty, unpublicised cut on Warm home discount payments. Even if on means tested benefits, but your house was built after 1990, you no longer get the £140 discount off gas/electric. I used to get it when on PIP and tax credits, now made redundant and unable to work as had serious op complications, at the moment, my house was built 1990. I no longer qualify.
This doesn’t apply to everyone. Check here gov.uk/the-warm-home-discou...
It goes by your house now not just benefits you get. No longer paid automatically if on relevant benefits, your home has to fit a criteria.
Hi , I feel the same due to my RA and Osteoarthritis in my hands , knee and hip , also suffer with a spinal problem not sure how we will cope 👍
the company im with gave me an electric lap blanket free because of my RA it's wonderful and very cheap to run
I'm 68 with RA and like you I get very cold easily and I'm on PIP which of course is not one of the benifits that allows me to claim the fuel allowance, I find the best thing for me is if I start to feel the cold I have a blanket at the side of my chair ,the type that has sleeves, and I put that on straight away before I get any colder. Also have a lot of draft exculders too at my doors.
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