MANY Limerick people might be entitled to claim the British Winter Fuel Payment and don’t know it.
That’s according to Limerick Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan, whose constituency office has helped several people to claim this entitlement in the past and has made applications this year already.
“A number of years ago, I became aware of the British Winter Fuel payment system and how many people living in Limerick might be entitled to it. The International Pension Centre in Britain have assured me that those living in Ireland in receipt of a partial or full British pension would be entitled to apply for the payment,” he explained.
In order to be considered eligible, the claimant must be born on or before the July 5, 1953 and be able to show a “genuine and sufficient link” with Britain. Those eligible could get between £100 and £300 sterling tax-free to help pay their heating bills.
“Each year I meet pensioners who live in Limerick are not be aware that they may be eligible for this payment. Following a European Court ruling in 2012, the British Winter Fuel Payment cannot be restricted to those ordinarily resident in Britain or the North but must be extended to eligible persons who can prove that they have a ‘genuine and sufficient’ link to Britain,” said Deputy Quinlivan.
He went on to say that while it would appear that the ‘genuine and sufficient’ link is determined on a case-by-case basis, the factors taken into account include the length of time a person worked or resided in the Britain, if the person is in receipt of a Social Security payment from Britain and if a person has immediate family ties with Britain.
“Many Limerick people who have worked or lived for many years in Britain and have now returned home could potentially satisfy these criteria. Those in receipt of a pension from Britain should qualify.
Anyone who needs assistance can contact my constituency office in Denmark Street 061 319 681. The closing date for receipt of applications is March 31, 2017.
by Alan Jacques
