Menu
13/03/2002
Lodge claims for Winter Fuel Payments now say NICAB
With the last day for making a claim for a Winter Fuel Payment this year set as March 31, the Northern Ireland Citizens Advice Bureau (NICAB) has urged people to lodge their claims in good time.
This year’s payment is £200 and is made to people aged 60 or over providing they are eligible.
As a result of a European Court of Justice ruling that decided that it was sex discrimination to pay Winter Fuel Payments to women under 65 but not to men. As a result Winter Fuel Payments were extended to men as well as women aged 60 and over. This means that many people who did not previously receive a Winter Fuel Payment may now be eligible for payments as far back as Winter 1997/98.
Siobhán Harding, Information and Policy Officer, NIACAB, Said: “CAB are urging people over 60 to check their eligibility for a Winter Fuel Payment. It is possible that due to the 1999 Court ruling some people, particularly men over 60, could miss out as they may not be aware of their entitlement.
"We are advising anyone who thinks they might be entitled to this payment to complete a claim form before the end of March or contact their local CAB for more information.”
If a person is aged 60 or over for at least one day during the qualifying week they will be eligible for a payment. The qualifying week for this year is September 17 to 23, 2001. In some cases those aged 60 or over in the qualifying week will be excluded from Winter Fuel Payments, for example, if a person is receiving income support or income-based jobseeker’s allowance and lives in a nursing home or residential care.
The payment for 2001/02 is £200 full rate and £100 reduced rate and only one payment per individual will be made.
CAB throughout Northern Ireland hold information on Winter Fuel Payments and the eligibility conditions.
Winter Fuel Payments are an annual tax-free payment made to people aged 60 or over.
It is not the same as a cold weather payment, which depends on how cold the weather is and is available to certain groups of people in receipt of income support or income-based jobseeker’s allowance.
Automatic payments of Winter Fuel Payments are made to pensioners and those who previously made a successful claim without the need to complete an application form each year.
(SP)
This year’s payment is £200 and is made to people aged 60 or over providing they are eligible.
As a result of a European Court of Justice ruling that decided that it was sex discrimination to pay Winter Fuel Payments to women under 65 but not to men. As a result Winter Fuel Payments were extended to men as well as women aged 60 and over. This means that many people who did not previously receive a Winter Fuel Payment may now be eligible for payments as far back as Winter 1997/98.
Siobhán Harding, Information and Policy Officer, NIACAB, Said: “CAB are urging people over 60 to check their eligibility for a Winter Fuel Payment. It is possible that due to the 1999 Court ruling some people, particularly men over 60, could miss out as they may not be aware of their entitlement.
"We are advising anyone who thinks they might be entitled to this payment to complete a claim form before the end of March or contact their local CAB for more information.”
If a person is aged 60 or over for at least one day during the qualifying week they will be eligible for a payment. The qualifying week for this year is September 17 to 23, 2001. In some cases those aged 60 or over in the qualifying week will be excluded from Winter Fuel Payments, for example, if a person is receiving income support or income-based jobseeker’s allowance and lives in a nursing home or residential care.
The payment for 2001/02 is £200 full rate and £100 reduced rate and only one payment per individual will be made.
CAB throughout Northern Ireland hold information on Winter Fuel Payments and the eligibility conditions.
Winter Fuel Payments are an annual tax-free payment made to people aged 60 or over.
It is not the same as a cold weather payment, which depends on how cold the weather is and is available to certain groups of people in receipt of income support or income-based jobseeker’s allowance.
Automatic payments of Winter Fuel Payments are made to pensioners and those who previously made a successful claim without the need to complete an application form each year.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 September 2011
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
02 December 2002
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
14 October 2013
Applicants Encouraged For Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Social Development is urging people born on or before 5 January 1952, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to pick up the phone and check if they are eligible.
Applicants Encouraged For Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Social Development is urging people born on or before 5 January 1952, who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, to pick up the phone and check if they are eligible.
21 September 2005
Over 60's urged not to miss out on fuel payments
People aged 60 or more who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, have been advised to check if they are eligible.
Over 60's urged not to miss out on fuel payments
People aged 60 or more who have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before, have been advised to check if they are eligible.
11 January 2022
Communities Minister Urged To Take Control Of Emergency Fuel Scheme
The Communities Minister must take control of the Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme rather than passing the buck to a charity, DUP MLA Paula Bradley has said. Making the call, the North Belfast MLA said: "It will come as little surprise to anyone that there has been huge demand for the Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme.
Communities Minister Urged To Take Control Of Emergency Fuel Scheme
The Communities Minister must take control of the Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme rather than passing the buck to a charity, DUP MLA Paula Bradley has said. Making the call, the North Belfast MLA said: "It will come as little surprise to anyone that there has been huge demand for the Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
