Hi, my name is gamma! Taken a lump sum from my pension to pay a debt, will it affect my benefits?

gamma

Hi I'm trying to find out I'm on esa contribution. Plus pip ...I'm worried as I asked for 9000 of my lump some pension   ..to clear some debt...I'm not sure what savings you have in bank or if that takes me over the savings you are allowed...as most of it will go right out my account if I take it .. I don't want get in trouble or lose my housing benefit...

Rosie_Scope

Hi @gamma, welcome to the community. I'll pop your post over to our benefits section where more members can find it and offer their advice, I just wanted to say hello and welcome first! I don't think you'd get into trouble if the money is being used for a debt and isn't sticking around for long, although I'm no expert on ESA so I can't say for certain. Hopefully one of our lovely members can offer some more solid advice

Is your ESA all contribution based or is some of it income-based? 

poppy123456

Contributions based ESA isn't means tested so savings do not affect the amount you're entitled to. Are you 100% sure your ESA is all contributions based? Many people get confused to which one it is they are actually claiming.