Pensioner Winter Fuel Payment - I just don't get it?

[Harry Bloomfield]

'All pensioners will receive Winter Fuel Payment but those individuals with a taxable income of £35,000 or more per annum will have their Winter Fuel Payment amount claimed back via the tax system. There is an option to opt out of Winter Fuel Payment.'

Why such a high level of £35K? That's more than many earn, when they are working. What difference will 200/£300 make to those with a £35K income per year, do they even need that extra top up?

It seems to have been one extreme, then the other.

 

[Notch7]

It seems to have been one extreme, then the other

I thought the concern was pensioners who were just above the pension credit limit, which must be way below that.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I thought the concern was pensioners who were just above the pension credit limit, which must be way below that.

I think around the £180 per week level.

 

[Highway Man]

I for one am happy for them.

 

[JohnD]

One day, a government will abolish it, at the same time pointing out that they are increasing the basic rate of pension by an equivalent amount greater than inflation.

Really, the ratchet has been pushing the state pension up, faster than inflation, for years, so they could have done it already.

Paying extra money to people who don't need it, and to people who are better off than younger working people struggling on less, has always been silly.

 

[Highway Man]

One day, a government will abolish it, at the same time pointing out that they are increasing the basic rate of pension by an equivalent amount greater than inflation.

Really, the ratchet has been pushing the state pension up, faster than inflation, for years, so they could have done it already.

Paying extra money to people who don't need it, and to people who are better off than younger working people struggling on less, has always been silly.

In some instances I am quite sure that you are right, I doubt there are many pensioners on 35K and more will be on far less.

 

[Koolpc]

Rich get richer...poor get poorer...

 

[motorbiking]

Pensioner income is no measure of wealth. Some have high care costs which leave them with almost nothing, even with pensions of double or triple the limit.

If you opt out of the payment - will they still take it "back" with a higher tax?

 

[Dereekoo]

I thought the concern was pensioners who were just above the pension credit limit, which must be way below that.

The concern is about future votes, more included equals more votes

 

[Old Salt]

I think it makes it easier to identify those not entitled from the tax returns/tax codes. So everyone gets it then take it back off those with a higher income.

 

[pete01]

They wouldn't dare set it at say 20k as Nigel would make him do another u-turn.

 

[cdbe]

My sister will be happy - 34k pension and half a million in tax free ISAs - another hot tub mini break is on the cards.

 

[motorbiking]

My sister will be happy - 34k pension and half a million in tax free ISAs - another hot tub mini break is on the cards.

does that include her state pension?

 

[Mottie]

Pensioner income is no measure of wealth. Some have high care costs which leave them with almost nothing, even with pensions of double or triple the limit.

Very rough figures but Mrs Motties mum gets @£20k in state/private pensions/attendance allowance and another £20-25k in interest on her savings now that Mrs Mottie has sold her house for her however, her care home costs are just a tad over £75k. She won’t get the WFA but in reality, she doesn’t need it as her care home costs include heating but she would need it if she was living alone in her own house paying for the odd bit of personal care.

 

[JohnD]

Pensioner income is no measure of wealth. Some have high care costs which leave them with almost nothing, even with pensions of double or triple the limit.

People who can lay their hands on lots of money can pay high care costs. People who can't, can't.

Spending money is not an indicator of need.