ESA to state pension... When, how and what to expect.

Kizzie58

Hi, I used to be a member here but left
I Got a lot of help with my PIP renewal (  sent it back in May ) not heard anything but got a letter last week saying it's been extended for up to one year.   So still a long nerve-racking time for me and no nearer assessment.    




Anyway, that's not why I am here. Today my thoughts are on my OAP pension   


I am due to receive my state pension in March.   I am on ESA with SDA component and PIP  

What changes can I expect in income? How to claim and when? .. is it as gruelling as  ESA and PIP? 

poppy123456

You will need to make sure you apply for your state pension. Details here https://www.gov.uk/new-state-pension/how-to-claim it should be a straightforward process. 

Are you single or living with a partner? If with a partner are you the main claimant of the ESA claim?  

What happens next will depend on the answer to those questions. 

Kizzie58

Thank you Poppy. I live on my own.   

Paul1957

You should get a letter with your invitation code shortly and if you havent got the full 35 qualifying years, you might to be able to claim pension credit. 

poppy123456

Then your ESA will stop once you reach state pension age because it’s a working age benefit. 

For the SDA you will need to claim Pension Credit, whether there’s any entitlement to that will depend on your circumstances. You can apply for this up to 4 months before you reach state pension age https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim

If you’re claiming help with any rent through housing benefit this will continue but will need to be recalculated. If there’s any entitlement to pension credit then you’ll also be entitled to fill housing benefit and full Council Tax reduction. 

You can have a state pension forecast here https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

Kizzie58

Thank you both will wait for my letter and go from there,  

poppy123456

Paul1957 said:

You should get a letter with your invitation code shortly and if you havent got the full 35 qualifying years, you might to be able to claim pension credit. 

The SDA will increase pension credit entitlement so if their total weekly income is less than £277.45 there will be some entitlement to PC. 

Please note PIP isn’t included in weekly income. 

Kizzie58

Just had a look at that link and it says with PC I could get up to £100 more a a fortnight than I do now. 

I will wait and see before feeling happy about that  

poppy123456

Full new state pension is current £203.85/week. SDA will be paid in with pension credit so your maximum weekly entitlement will be £277.45. 

If you have any private pensions when you reach state pension age then this will decrease entitlement to Pension Credit because they will be classed as Income.