How to Apply for Winter Fuel Payment in Spain 2012 / 2013

Posted on August 30, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

Good news for British expats living in Spain, claiming winter fuel payment.

Thanks to a judgement of the European Court more expats in Spain (and other UE countries) will be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) this year. In previous years WFPs have only been made to former UK residents who qualified for the payment before leaving the UK and who are now living in the European Economic Area including Spain.

This year you may be eligible to receive WFP if you have a “genuine and sufficient” link with the UK. Several factors are considered in order to assess, for example how long someone has lived and worked in the UK and whether they receive UK State Pension or other benefits.

Who can get Winter Fuel Payment in Spain in winter 2012/2013?

In general, any UK citizen who has reached the current State Pension age for women (those born on or before 5 July 1951) AND who have a genuine and sufficient link with the UK can apply for WFP this year (even if they are still working)!

How do I apply for Winter Fuel Payment for 2012/2013?

In order to apply for Winter Fuel Payment, simply download and complete THIS FORM (click the link).

Once you have downloaded and completed the claim form you should return it promptly to:-

International Pensions Centre, Tyneview Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE98 1BA, UK.

Alternatively you can telephone the International Pensions Centre on 0044 191 218 7777 who will arrange for you to complete a claim form.

The claim form will assess if you have a “genuine and sufficient” link with the UK.

How much is Winter Fuel Payment in Spain and when will I be paid?

The amount you will receivedepends on your personal situation.

If you live alone you will rceive £200, or £300 if you are aged 80 or over on 23 September 2012, an additional payment should be made if you live with another person who qualifies for WFP.

Claims received by 21 September should be paid before Christmas 2012. Claims received after 21 September will be paid in 2013. Claims must be submitted before 31 March 2013.

NOTE: The original article was posted onFamily Life in Spain.