Hi, my name is Briantaxi! We are a couple on UC, wife is 57. Should I claim my pension or defer it?

Briantaxi
Briantaxi Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
edited April 4 in Benefits and income

Hi I am 66 on July my wife is 57 we are on universal credit since last May when I had to stop working due to ill health. I don't know if I should claim my pension or defer it because I have read I can't get pension credit because my wife is only 57. If anyone could help I would appreciate it.

Comments

  • Rosie_Scope
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 5,852 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @Briantaxi, welcome to the community. Often in the case of mixed-age couples it's best to get some proper benefits advice to ensure you won't be worse off.

    Advicelocal have a directory to search for local benefits advisors, or you could try Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

    Our members might have some experiences to share too so I hope they'll be along soon 😊

  • Lauren29
    Lauren29 Online Community Member Posts: 81 Contributor

    If you defer taking your State Pension then Universal Credit will calculate your Universal Credit as if you are receiving this. This is because for means tested benefits which Universal Credit is it will be treated as notional income

    You can be treated as having notional income when:

    • You have deliberately got rid of income so that your benefit entitlement is higher
    • You did not apply for income that you were entitled to
    • You have not received income that is due to you
    • Your income is paid to someone else on your behalf.

    You will not be able to claim Pension Credit until your wife reaches State Pension Age. It would be a good idea to speak to an adviser from Age UK, Citizens Advice or a similar organisation who can carry out a full benefits check.

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