Reader Question:
From June 2011 I and my partner have been receiving guaranteed pension credit. I live in a flat leased from Abbeyfield Society and I understand the accommodation is classified as sheltered accommodation with support.
Am I entitled to receive a winter fuel payment?
Government info advises that those who receive pension credit and live in a care home are not entitled to such payment but is the accomodation we live in classified as a care home? There are no nursing or medical staff only housekeepers who on the premises in the daytime only and provide two meals a day?
My Response:
Unfortunately I can't say for certain whether you are definitely eligible to claim for Winter Fuel Payment.
However as you allude to the rules on whether you are entitled to include you having to
- to have reached the qualifying age (born on or before 5 January 1951) in the qualifying week (19-25 September)
- to be ordinarily resident in the UK
Also to quote the official line -
you won't receive payment if you've been a hospital inpatient for more than a year, you're serving a prison sentence or you're living in a care home and receiving Pension Credit or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
but with regard to living in a care home:
You count as living in a care home if you've been in the care home for the 13 weeks up to and including the qualifying week. If so, you'll only receive half the Winter Fuel Payment. However, if you get Pension Credit or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, you won't get any payment.
So in your case the key point is whether you are living in care home as officially defined. If you don't live in a care home then you should be entitled to something.
I suggest that you contact the Winter Fuels Payment Helpline on 0845 915 1515 (Opening HoursMonday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm) and explain your circumstances to them they will be able to give you a definitive answer.
Best Wishes
Damien
Money to the Masses
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