Lump Sum Pension Payment. Will I have to go onto Universal Credit?

Bubbly1

I currently receive Housing Benefit, ESA (Support Group) and PIP. If I take a lump sum of £6000 and a small regular payment from an old DC work pension will it constitute a new claim and will I have to go onto Universal Credit? Any advice would be welcome as I cannot find any help online. Thank you 

poppy123456

For mean tested benefits the lump sum will be classed as savings. This means that if that lump sum takes your total savings to more than £6,000 there's a £1 deduction for every £250 or part there of.

For the weekly/monthly payment then this will be classed as income and if your ESA is Income Related it will reduce it £1 for £1. If any part of the ESA is contributions based/New style ESA then pension of up to £85 per week is ignored. Anything over this and your pension will reduce by 50p for every £1 over that amount.

If your ESA is Income Related then there's very little point in taking a weekly/monthly amount because of the £1 for £1 reduction.

This will not prompt a move to UC.

calcotti

There is no benefit in drawing regular pension income while claiming working age means tested benefits for the reasons set out by poppy.

Bubbly1

Thank you for your advice above. I have no savings, am aged 57 and really struggling financially. Can I take £6000 and no monthly payments if that’s possible and how many times can I do that please apart from the first tax free payment? 

poppy123456

The lump sum will not affect your means tested benefits. If you continue to take multiple lump sums over a short period of time DWP could ask questions. 

Bubbly1

Thank you for all your help 

calcotti

woodbine said:

The first 25% of a lump sum withdrawal will be tax free, there is nothing to stop you doing what is called "draw down". 

It depends on how you take it. It could be 100% tax free if the tax free part is taken up front. Agree with the advice to talk to PensionWise.

Bubbly1

Thanks everyone