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WINTER FUEL PAYMENT

191 replies

cobden28 · 21/10/2024 10:29

A couple of days ago I received the official letter from the DWP telling me I'm not going to receive the Winter Fuel payment this year because, although I am within the required age group, I'm not in receipt of the listed benefits. I am 69 years of age.
On the same day I also received notifiication from my energy supplier of the amount of my next Direct Debit monthly payment and a request to submit my meter readings. I've contacted the energy supplier and arranged for them to send round a meter reader, so they can't be in a position to dispute the readings oobtained.
Then once I get my billing sorted i'm going to have to work out how to cut my energy bill. My proposed method is to turn off the central heating and only use the gas fire in the living room for heating - I feel uncomfortable if a room is too warm and the gas fire chucks out lots of heat anyway.

OP posts:
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Dotto · 21/10/2024 10:55

Also make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in that room (and any others that need them)

Edited to add - and ventilate the room too, have the window on the latch. For safety and also gas fires give out lots of moisture.

PandoraSox · 21/10/2024 10:54

Have you checked to make sure you are not entitled to PC @cobden28 ?

Dotto · 21/10/2024 10:53

DragonGypsyDoris · 21/10/2024 10:51

Not sure I understand the point of this post.

Are we meant to be outraged that OP is no longer being paid to heat her whole home unnecessarily, perhaps.

DragonGypsyDoris · 21/10/2024 10:51

Not sure I understand the point of this post.

Dotto · 21/10/2024 10:49

Do you not have smart meters or otherwise send in your monthly meter readings then? Why?

ButtSurgery · 21/10/2024 10:48

Do you need the WFP due to low income? If so, contact your energy company to discuss, many have discretionary funds for such assistance.

Have you also checked if you're able to claim additional benefits?

JusteanBiscuits · 21/10/2024 10:46

I think most people are in this position this year. My husband and I both work from home, so having the heating on all day as well as morning and evening would be awful. We will do what we did last winter and cover up with blankets and jumpers, decent slippers, and I have a cheap heated throw blanket too. Also bought an air heated dryer last winter as it's much cheaper to run than the tumble dryer.

cobden28 · 21/10/2024 10:43

This was an official letter from the DWP, so it's genuine.

OP posts:
Negroany · 21/10/2024 10:42

My proposed method is to turn off the central heating and only use the gas fire in the living room for heating - I feel uncomfortable if a room is too warm and the gas fire chucks out lots of heat anyway.

Why did you ever have it on then?

2dogsandabudgie · 21/10/2024 10:41

Bluevelvetsofa · 21/10/2024 10:35

I wonder how much money has been spent contacting people individually, to tell them they aren’t going to get the WFP.

Yes that would be interesting to know.

HerefordHeifer · 21/10/2024 10:40

What is your AIBU?

2dogsandabudgie · 21/10/2024 10:40

Also beware of the scam text message being sent to pensioners.

JacquesHarlow · 21/10/2024 10:38

OK @cobden28

Bluevelvetsofa · 21/10/2024 10:35

I wonder how much money has been spent contacting people individually, to tell them they aren’t going to get the WFP.

skippy67 · 21/10/2024 10:29

Good plan

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