spongebob59
Journeyman Pro
The £200 payment has been paid into my account but they'll take it back at some stage.
Does anyone know how this will happen ?
Does anyone know how this will happen ?
WFA payment
- Thread starter spongebob59
- Start date
jim8flog
Journeyman Pro
Why would they take it back?
NearHull
Well-known member
In the blurb that was sent to me there was a statement that if I earned over £35000 (ish) before tax, the money would be recouped through Income Tax.
spongebob59
Journeyman Pro
It wasn't means tested so they paid it to all pensioners and then would be reclaimed if you weren't eligible.
But they never said how.
jim8flog
Journeyman Pro
Have you read the back of the letter sent to you?
The only reference to claw back on my letter is if my personal income before tax is more than £35000 it will be taken back through PAYE income tax. (as per NearHull).
backwoodsman
Tour Winner
As per others. It'll be taken back through income tax - presumably by changing your tax code.
rulefan
Tour Winner
If your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back. You can
check if your income is over the threshold and how HMRC will take it back.
HMRC will automatically collect the payment by changing your tax code for the 2026 to 2027 tax year.
For a typical payment of £200, the deduction will be approximately £17 per month.
check if your income is over the threshold and how HMRC will take it back.
HMRC will automatically collect the payment by changing your tax code for the 2026 to 2027 tax year.
For a typical payment of £200, the deduction will be approximately £17 per month.
Pin-seeker
Well-known member
Why do they make life so difficult?
Either you’re entitled to it or you’re not.
Either you’re entitled to it or you’re not.
I don’t get winter fuel allowance, but don’t expect it living in Spain. But pensioners in other warm countries do. I’m not fussed by it but do find it strange that some pensioners in other countries do get it. An odd one..
rulefan
Tour Winner
Some pensioners can afford it.
jim8flog
Journeyman Pro
I have not done a comparison of the countries you are talking about but
Electricity is significantly cheaper in Spain than in the UK, with average total utility costs in Spain being up to 40-60% lower
another source
Numbeo's data show that in 2025, combined costs for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal are 54% lower in Spain than in the UK.
,
Our electricity for November is going to be around £80. The heating is via the aircon, and we use it for about 20 mins a day at present. Feb will see it on for around 2 hours a day, and I expect the bill to be around £110-£120.
But like the U.K., the north is significantly colder than the south. Even if pensioners in Spain qualified for the payment, we wouldn’t qualify for it nor need it.
If you’re going to add in other services like water & waste disposal, maybe add in the weekly shopping bill. We’re paying more for fruit & veg than I could buy it in Tesco’s. This week’s shock, Branston Pickle is €6.15 for a regular sized jar.
backwoodsman
Tour Winner
Because, presumably, it's cheaper to give it everyone then take it back off some. Rather than set up a system to identify the 'needy'.
I was trying to think of the phrase, and then got it. Yes, means testing. It's cumbersome to run, sometimes costs more than is brought in.
jim8flog
Journeyman Pro
To put that in to perspective I live on my own . I do not heat unused bedrooms, run my lounge at 20 degrees day and 20.5 evenings. I use energy saving devices as much as possible e.g. microwave, air fryer one cup kettle. My monthly DDs* are £70 leccy and £75 gas I would be considered a low user of energy. Water cost is £27 a month.
Your costs are very close to ours. However, we ‘win’ on council tax = €245 a year.
Neilds
Assistant Pro
2 people in our house, heating set same as you but all rooms as we both work from home. Washing machine used every day, radio on whilst we are working, etc and DD is £120 for both electric and gas. We are also well in credit for to cover winter. I would say that if you are a low user, then you need to check tariff or insulation or something because you may be overpaying
jim8flog
Journeyman Pro
The full rate for my council tax is approaching £3000 a year
jim8flog
Journeyman Pro
I switched this year, too early to work out whether or not the DDs are at the correct rate and will worry about it next spring when I see if I am in credit then. All credits built up with last companies were refunded and new DDs were set up based upon an overestimate of my usage , I did not bother to work out how much would be charged at the lower rate for EV and off peak tariff.
House size may well have something to do with it ( 5 bed detached) as it is well insulated.
