Winter fuel allowance: gift to orphan charity

We wouldn't dare say it but our supporters have said it to each other and ourselves so here goes:

"If you feel you aren't yet so old as to need extra winter heat or aren't so in need as to want the Government hand out for yourself, why not use the winter fuel payment to sponsor a child in the developing world? A winter fuel payment of £250 a year would nicely cover the cost of a child sponsorship to change a child's life from loneliness to love. "

Winter fuel allowance of £250

SOS Children would again like to thank people who are kind enough to donate their winter fuel payment (or an equivalent amount of taxable income) to our charity. SOS supporter Sue Fox started this idea amongst her friends several years ago and since then many people who feel that winter fuel payments are a bit of a windfall have happily given the funds to children whose need is greater than theirs. Conveniently enough the amount of the winter fuel payment for many people is £250 a year which nicely covers the cost of a child sponsorship (which is £20 a month) perhaps even with £10 left over as a Christmas present for the sponsored child.

Our Government will be making tax free Winter Fuel Payments to most people from age 60 for winter 2008/09. Those aged 60 to 79 will get either £125 or £250, depending on the circumstances in the qualifying week (15 to 21 September 2008), so you should know if you will qualify. Over 80s are entitled to more. There is apparently a long term commitment on the part of the government to continue these payments in the future, but in any case if you take out a sponsorship on the assumption of these payments you can always cancel it at some point later.

You can return your claim form for the winter payments on or before 30 March 2009. And the other half of the equation needs only your bank account number and sort code to sponsor a child online.