Is this misinformation from the Director of Smart Energy GB this morning or have I got it wrong?

I understood that this payment was for those on means tested benefits.
I haven't heard that this has changed. It would be nice though Grannynannywanny.

She doesn't know what she's talking about.

That was my understanding of it MiniMoon. I rewound my tv to listen again. She said “ so pensioners will receive a payment of £650 cost of living payment to support them as well” There was no mention of the qualifying criteria. Seems like another “expert” being paid to come on tv and spout inaccuracies.

All pensioners who get winter fuel payments are due to get an extra £300 is my understanding.
As I am over 80 I get £300 anyway so that means I have £600 in November/December.
I hope this is true.

As pensioners not qualifying for the cost of living payment we certainly will not get the £650 due to those on extra benefits..

My understanding too annesixty plus the £400 spread over 6 months .

Just looked at the government website. It’s a bit complicated.

If you’re born before 1956 you get an extra £500 if you live alone or £250 each if you live with someone the same.

£600 if you’re over 80, I think.

Plus the usual £100/200 pensioner winter fuel that we always get.

Not sure where the £650 cost of living comes in.

Probably best to look at the Gov site. I could have summed it up all wrong. Happy to be corrected?

Ok. The £650 is for people on benefits, not just pensioners and not all pensioners. Just if you are getting pension credit.

That Gov web page was straightforward and easy to understand so she was wrong if she said all pensioners.

I don’t think this will be in addition to the regular WFP.

No, now I’ve read it again, I don’t understand it at all. Ignore my posts please. They’re a load of rubbish.

Except the bit about only those on benefits getting the £650.

I am pretty confident about that bit?

I got my disability cost of living payment (£150) yesterday. I’m going to check what else I can expect now, as I thought other payments were for people on means tested benefits, which I wouldn’t qualify for.

Right, I have checked and Victoria Bacon is talking tosh. You definitely have to be on a means tested benefit.

If you qualify forWinter Fuel Payment you will receive £300 extra Winter Fuel Payment on top of the usual £200 or £150.

I have read the Gov.uk details and agree with Blossoming. If you receive Winter Fuel allowance and are Under 80 there will be an additional £300 payment.

If you and your oh normally receive £100pp WFA you will get £250pp this winter only. This increases by £50pp if you are both over 80. You will receive £500 if you are under 80 and live alone and £600 if over 80 and alone. These amounts do not include any additional sums you may receive if you are on benefits.

annsixty

All pensioners who get winter fuel payments are due to get an extra £300 is my understanding.
As I am over 80 I get £300 anyway so that means I have £600 in November/December.
I hope this is true.

Yes, that is correct. With the £400 given to all users, pensioners who get the Winter Fuel allowance will receive £1000 in total over the winter.

Sadly, I lose out on this by two weeks as to be eligible, you need to be in receipt of your state pension during a specific week towards the end of September - I get my pension on the 4th October!

Apologies if I got the WFA amount wrong, I was basing it on what my mum got, age 89 and living alone.

Grannynannywanny

Victoria Bacon was interviewed on BBC Breakfast this morning to participate in a discussion about the energy crisis. She stated that in addition to the £400 payment there will be an additional £650 paid to pensioners.

I thought this was only payable to those in receipt of pension credit or disability related benefits? She made no reference to any qualifying criteria and stated it would be paid to pensioners.

She's wrong.

Those in receipt of a State Pension, eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment will get an enhanced amount for this winter only.

The total amount payable is £600 for those born on or before 25 September 1942 and £500 for those born between 26 September 1942 and 25 September 1956 for those who I've alone.

Those living with another eligible person will receive £500, £550 or £600 between them.

I think!

That is as well as the £400 which every household will receive via their energy provider.

I dont get my state pension until next year, but my partner does he will get £200 heating allowance plus £300 cost of living allowance. Victoria Bacon is wrong about the £650 pounds, this is for people who are on certain benefits.

To be fair to Victoria Bacon she wasnt far out with her estimate. All pensioners 66+ who qualify for Winter Fuel Allowance will get between £500 - £600 (either a single payment or split equally depending on age) as well as the £400 energy payment everyone is receiving.

To be fair to Victoria Bacon she wasnt far out with her estimate

As the the Director of Smart Energy GB Victoria Bacon should have been more accurate with her information.
Her own description:
"I'm a highly experienced executive-level Director, team leader and communications specialist^

As a communications specialist she needs to be accurate when disseminating information as important as this.

You looked up her Linkedin profile too Callistemon? So did I and had a chuckle. How do people who think so highly of themselves make such basic errors? Oh hang on, it seems it might be in the job description for this government.

kissngate

To be fair to Victoria Bacon she wasnt far out with her estimate. All pensioners 66+ who qualify for Winter Fuel Allowance will get between £500 - £600 (either a single payment or split equally depending on age) as well as the £400 energy payment everyone is receiving.

She shouldn't be estimating! This money is critical for those on low incomes and a few pounds makes a difference.

I did, how nosy!
But I'd not heard of her (very remiss of me, I've probably seen her on TV but not clocked her name) so wanted to check who she was.
Yes, it's quite complimentary!

Oh, she's the smart meter woman, got it!

growstuff

kissngate

To be fair to Victoria Bacon she wasnt far out with her estimate. All pensioners 66+ who qualify for Winter Fuel Allowance will get between £500 - £600 (either a single payment or split equally depending on age) as well as the £400 energy payment everyone is receiving.

She shouldn't be estimating! This money is critical for those on low incomes and a few pounds makes a difference.

If you are a pensioner under 80 and receive any form of disability payment you will receive £400+£500+£150 = £1050 ) which is the sum Victoria quoted) + £100 if over 80 = £1150. However if broadcasting on radio or TV the figures quoted should be explained with more details.