State pension & severe disability premium?

dawsden

Hi all. I'm new and hoping someone can advise. I am severely disabled & until this month I have been on ESA support group, Severe disabled Premium PIP (enhanced for both components) and HB. ESA has stopped as I now receive my state pension. I was told by CAB that I would continue to be entitled to SDP attached to Pension Credit. However I have been refused Pension Credit as they have said I'm getting the full state pension of £218 per week and my PIP. Now I thought PIP was not used in any calculations for other benefits, but because I've been refused PC they have taken away my SDP. Is this correct? I'm at a loss as to how they can do this, as I'm still disabled, and now with less money?

If anyone can offer me any advice, I'd be truly grateful. I've tried the CAB and they gave me the completely wrong advice and told me I can claim UC

Thank you in advance

MW123

@dawsden

SDP is an extra payment that you can receive if you are getting certain benefits like Pension Credit. However, since your ESA stopped when you reached State Pension age, your eligibility for SDP is now based on whether you qualify for Pension Credit. Unfortunately, because your State Pension is above the limit for Pension Credit (£218.15 per week for a single person), you no longer qualify for it, which also means you lose out on the extra SDP payment. PIP is not counted when deciding if you're eligible for Pension Credit. To qualify, they look at things like your income, savings, and state and private pensions.

I have a friend who only paid into the state pension (she doesn't have a private pension), so her only income is the full state pension. She started receiving her pension two years ago and was very disappointed when she lost the £200 Winter Fuel Payment last year because she didn’t qualify for Pension Credit. There’s only a £3 difference between the full state pension and the Pension Credit threshold. I honestly don’t know how she manages on just £221 a week (although it’s going up next week) to cover her house maintenance and all the other bills that come with it.

Unfortunately, the state pension that everyone was told would cover their retirement after paying into it for all their working lives is just enough to provide a very basic standard of living. The government does not seem to realise that not all pensioners have gold-plated private pensions, for many, the state pension is their only source of income.

Kimi87

@MW123

That's not correct, because of the PIP OP has a higher cut off point for Pension Credit than the standard state pension amount.

It still doesn't guarantee entitlement though.

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

dawsden

Hi Championing

Thank you for your kind response. Yes it's ridiculous. I ve lost approx £500pm overnight. I've also had such conflicting advice. CAB told me I would go onto UC! I am on HBand have read that if you are on HB and another, like PIP I would carry on getting it but it would be part of my HB. Everything is so confusing. It has made me quite ill. My mental health is certainly spiralling. How on earth has your friend managed?? I think it's appalling. It seems you would be better off if you hadn't paid a stamp. I think I also now have to pay for dental etc? Minefield x

dawsden

....and rent and council tax?

Kimi87

Are you single or living with a partner? If living with a partner how old are they?

MW123

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1012174#Comment_1012174

Thank you, Kimi. My friend has applied for Attendance Allowance, and if she’s successful, hopefully she might be entitled to Pension Credit. However, at the moment, the full State Pension appears to be preventing her from qualifying.

dawsden

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1012190#Comment_1012190

Hi Kimi

I do have a adult non dependant live with me. Not my partner. They provide care for me in return for there board. They don't claim any benefits

Kimi87

As you get Daily Living PIP then the non dependants income should be disregarded.

Do you yourself have any savings, a private pension, property that you don't live in etc?

MW123

@dawsden

I can see that none of us can give you a clear answer, but I had a thought, how about getting in touch with your local AGE UK? They were really helpful for my friend last year. She had been struggling for over a year to pay the full council tax from her state pension. AGE UK told her she could apply for a reduction, and now, from April this year, she will be paying next to nothing in council tax, which will make a big difference.

They also suggested she apply for Attendance Allowance because of her health problems and even helped her fill out the forms. She is still waiting to find out if she qualifies. I think AGE UK will be able to help you more than Citizens Advice.

I really feel for you, losing out financially for the privilege of reaching state pension age, especially when you’re supposed to be enjoying retirement. Let us know how you get on. xx

chiarieds

This link may also prove helpful - AgeUK's online benefits calculator about Pension Credit. They also indicate other help that may be available: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/pension-credit/ depending on your circumstances.

dawsden

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1012311#Comment_1012311

Very little savings and my property is housing association. I went on the turn 2 us website last night. It said I was entitled to 0.15p PC. I went on the .gov site today and its saying the same. I think the PC know this. I know its ridiculous pathetic amount, but they would know that if they give me that, then it will entitle me to other things. I've decided that I am going to phone them again tomorrow and lodge a M Reconsideration, before the pension increase.

dawsden

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1012316#Comment_1012316

Thank you. I will do. I did look them up but I don't have a Age UK for my area? All the disability hubs have been done away with as well. I cannot believe the way this country is treating its elderly. Its disgraceful. I'd like to see K Starmer manage on what the elderly and disabled get. Makes me so angry

dawsden

Thank you @chiarieds that's much appreciated x