I have recently been awarded Standard Daily Living PIP, and I've requested a Mandatory Reconsideration.
I have recently been retired from my job on ill-health grounds and will receive a pension and a lump sum. The lump sum will pay off my mortgage, and the remainder will leave me with in excess of £16k.
I realise I'm fortunate in that the pension and savings mean I do not need to apply for Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
However, I have applied for ESA to start when my payment in lieu expires - my employer provided 12 weeks in lieu to allow time for the pension provider to organise and pay the pension/lump sum.
Given my work history, I would expect to be considered for Contribution Based ESA. I also know my pension will affect any payment made to me, and I understand how that works.
As a result of researching PIP, I recently became aware of Disability Premiums. I seem to understand these are only paid if no-one is claiming Carer's Allowance for caring for you, which is the case for me. Since becoming aware of these Premiums, I have trawled t'internet for information but I can't seem to find definitive answers to these questions:
1) Are Disability Premiums that can be added to ESA only available to those who also claim UC/HB/CTR?
2) Are there any Disability Premiums that are applicable to PIP, if no ESA is claimed?
3) How easy is it to withdraw an ESA application?
I'm asking Q3 because after reading the in-depth info on ESA, it sounds like a nightmare to pursue. I'm not sure if I'm up to continuing the application, particularly if there is a risk I will be placed in a group where I'm required to prepare for work again, given I've already been retired on ill-health grounds. I do not require NI contributions towards pension entitlement as my NI requirement is complete due to previous work history.
Sorry for the lengthy post just hoping to avoid anyone looking to help me having to ask more questions!
