UK Expat Pensioners To Go Through Temperature Test To Get Heating Allowance



UK expat pensioners living in Europe might have their winter fuel payments from the government reduced, under new plans proposing "temperature tests", the Daily Telegraph reports.

The tests will determine whether pensioners will be entitled to receive the £200 winter fuel allowance, following an EU ruling that UK expats have to get their heating benefit even if they live in tropical countries.

However, British Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith, who described the EU ruling as "ridiculous", claimed that the government will challenge the ruling, which is estimated to cost about £100 million per year. Duncan Smith has announced plans to introduce the so-called "temperature tests" which will prevent pensioners living in warmer countries like France and Spain from receiving the £200.

The Work and Pensions Secretary explains that the allowance is intended to help UK pensioners meet their heating costs, and having to cover the expenses of those who live in warm countries would be "ludicrous".

It is estimated that around 444,000 expats would be eligible for the benefit, compared to the 73,000 who receive the allowance at present due to the fact that they were living in the UK at the time of their retirement.

The policy for heating benefits has been criticised before, as all pensioners are entitled to the £200 subsidy, regardless of their income and how much they are usually charged for heating, the Telegraph notes.

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