Confused about retirement

worried2812

Hi all, just joined and not to sure if anyone can help me. I had to take ill health retirement in January 2020. I have a retirement pension from my employer, and currently claim PIP both components. My pension is my only income and just about meets my living expenses, with very little to spare. I am 60 years old so should have been working for at least another 7 years. Because i have an ill health pension i am not allowed to do any form of paid work, otherwise my pension will be affected or withdrawn, even therapeutic earnings are not allowed. (condition of pension). I am registered partially sighted, I have many other health conditions as side effects of long term Diabetes. I cannot work out if i am entitled to any other benefits, other than PIP which is not a means tested benefit, so i don't think it should be counted as income. Can anyone advise me please, my lump sum payment has almost gone, and i have a small amount of savings, which i put aside from the lump sum when i got it. 
If anyone can advise me i would be very grateful.

poppy123456

New style ESA isn't means tested so any pension of up to £85 per week is ignored. For every £1 over this there's a 50p per week deduction in the ESA. However, to be able to claim this you need to have paid the correct amount of NI contributions in tax years April 2019 to March 2021. You can check your NI contributions online. https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record

If entitled you'll need a fit note from your GP. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

The only other benefit is Universal Credit but it's means tested so your pension will reduce your entitlement £1 for £. If you live with a partner you claim as a couple and your joint circumstances will be taken into consideration. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you won't be able to claim. Use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=88f95c73-cacf-4340-b2f4-25af0356d9a2

If you claim both of the above together the ESA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.

poppy123456

Johnmduk1 said:

@poppy123456 would they not also be entitled to lcwwra if it sickness pension

LCWRA is part of UC and claiming this will totally depend on their circumstances. A pension doesn't automatically entitle anyone to LCWRA. If there's any entitlement to UC then they can report a health condition and send it fit notes from their GP.

poppy123456

I have no idea about "cancelling the pension."

Johnmduk1 said:

Then applying for lcwwra, or he might get UC as it not Mt.

That's not correct. As advised, UC is means tested so whether there's any entitlement will depend on their circumstances. As there's no information given then it's impossible to advise.
New style ESA can also be looked into but that will depend on their NI contributions.

I'd also prefer if you didn't tag me please. If i see a thread and choose to comment i will. Sometimes i may not know the answer so i won't comment.

poppy123456

No one should cancel any pension claim without first getting some expert advice. I have no idea what affect (if any) it would have on entitlement to means tested benefits.

Johnmduk1 said:

 what bout pension credit?

That's not possible because the OP is of working age.

Johnmduk1 said:

My apologies for tagging you, I was just asking a question to yourself, please be assured I won't tag again, I will respect your request

No worries and thanks.

worried2812

Good Morning all, i apologize for some confusion my above first ever post seems to have caused so i will start a new post with clearer details.
worried2812.

L_Volunteer

Good morning @worried2812. Please don't be sorry. We see you, hear you and understand. Hopefully, we will be able to support you through this