Should I go ESA or Pension ? Is it too late to decide ? What's the difference?

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Bruce
Bruce Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
edited April 2018 in Benefits and income
I am 65 in Sept 2018. I have been in psychiatric hospital for 3 months. During that time ESA wrote to me to choose whether to go on pension or stay on ESA. I have since lost the letter, sent inJan Feb this year. Should I go ESA or Pension ? Is it too late to decide ? What's the difference?  Thanks, Bruce 

Comments

  • JennysDad
    JennysDad Online Community Member Posts: 2,290 Championing
    Hi Bruce, @Bruce and welcome to the community. Good to have you aboard.
    I'm not qualified to answer your specific question but we do have people here who are and they will be in touch with you as soon as possible. The weekend may slow things down a tad, but usually they are remarkably quick. Bear with us, and someone will get back to you.
    In the meantime, and for their information, could you perhaps tell us a little more about yourself and your condition? It might just help the advisors a little.
    Glad to meet you,
    Warmest best wishes,
    Richard
  • CockneyRebel
    CockneyRebel Online Community Member Posts: 5,188 Championing
    Hi Bruce and welcome

    You should get trained advice from AGE UK , CAB or similar

    When you are approaching pension age you have the option of defering your state pension if you are working. You may also be able to do so if your ESA is CB.
    If you do nothing your state pension will be defered automatically if eligable

    This is the best info I can find but please get trained advice

    CR
  • Lynne53
    Lynne53 Online Community Member Posts: 52 Contributor
    I'm only speaking personally, not an expert, but I became of pension age on 6th March and I was told that I had to come off ESA as it relates to Employment and I would technically retired. The good news though is that I also get Pension Credit. It was very difficult to find help from DWP but Scope gave me loads of information and I am now sorted. Get well soon Bruce and don't worry you will get the advice you need here.
  • Bruce
    Bruce Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
    Thanks.Lynne. B
  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,602 Championing
    You could call Age UK on 0800 055 6112, they can give free, independent advice every day 8am - 7pm
  • CockneyRebel
    CockneyRebel Online Community Member Posts: 5,188 Championing
    Here is gov link to defering state pension

    www.gov.uk/deferring-state-pension

    CR

  • JennysDad
    JennysDad Online Community Member Posts: 2,290 Championing
    Hi Lynne,
    CR's link doesn't seem to have 'taken'. It should be here. 
    Warmest best wishes to you,
    Richard
  • CockneyRebel
    CockneyRebel Online Community Member Posts: 5,188 Championing
    Thanks Richard probably rushed it

    CR
  • Bruce
    Bruce Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
    Many thanks CR and Jenny's Dad. B

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