From ESA to PENSION ( PENSION credits)

WendyJoy

Hello .

I am on ESA and PIP ( enhanced for both).November l become a pensioner and my pension will be £221 PW.

This is less than my ESA.

I have applied for pension credits..but they cannot tell me if l will definitely be getting any and how much.

Anyone else been in the same position who could shed some light on this please.

Many thanks

Kimi87

Try the pension credit calculator, input a false dob which shows you are already state pension age, and answer as if your state pension is already payable, alongside the PIP.

https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator

luvpink

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/123674/from-esa-to-pension-pension-credits

Hi

The threshold for eligibility for pension credit is £218 per week so if you will receive £221 per week you are over the amount to qualify.

WendyJoy

THANKYOU

Kimi87

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/919538#Comment_919538

OP gets PIP which means her threshold is higher than the standard £218.

luvpink

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/919548#Comment_919548

pip is non means tested but to receive pension credit your state pension limit is £218 per week.

The qualifying criteria is stated on the government website.

Kimi87

As OP gets PIP she will qualify for Pension Credit, because in her circumstances the £218.15 threshold doesn't apply.

androgynous

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/919538#Comment_919538

@WendyJoy

However, there are various caveats.

You may be entitled to extra money if you are receiving enhanced pip on the daily living component, you should receive the severe disability premium which is paid as pension credit.

Do you have any other income such private pension, savings, property, etc? Even a small amount of PC is a passported benefit to other help.

If you will only be on SP and PIP, it's likely you should receive the full disability premium, which is £81.50 a week for a single person.

You would also receive help with rent, council tax, etc.

You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age.

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/919554#Comment_919554

If the person lives alone and their current ESA includes the SDP then pension credit will also include that in the calculation. This means that their PC threshold is increased.

@WendyJoy there are extremely long delays for Pension Credit claims so this may not be done in time for when you reach state pension age. I know there's many people waiting several months and sometimes longer for a decision.

luvpink

@poppy123456

Thank you.

I did not realise that. X

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/919589#Comment_919589

You're welcome. Benefits aren't the easiest to understand.