Loss of SDP when I reach 66

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solis
solis Online Community Member Posts: 4 Connected
in Benefits and income
Hello,
Received my yearly update from DWP and they said that because I reach 66 this year, I shall lose my £84.05 a week SDP.  I'm terrified as I doubt I'll manage.  I do get DLA but I have to pay for caring, taxis etc., as I am housebound with disabilities and many illnesses.  The DWP and Pension Service never answer the phone as it is constantly engaged or  they just hang up and I am desperate.  When I had children, I stayed at home to look after them and then I started to become disabled, first with severe arthritis, then a host of other things followed.  I fight my depression and anxiety as well as I can but this, on top of our dire circumstances with the Covid-19 (makes me feel quite churlish to even be asking for help for myself) has sent me into a downward spiral.  I don't know if I am entitled to any pension at all, however small, so that I might claim pension credits.  Also, will my DLA be stopped as well?  I'm sure someone amongst you will have the knowledge to assist me and I beg your help.  Many thanks and please be careful and safe everyone. 

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  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    Hi,

    SDP is not £84.05 per week, it's £65.85 per week. Slightly more than this when it increases in April this year.

    You haven't said which benefit you're claiming but i'll assume it could be ESA, is that correct? If so then this is a working age benefit which will stop once you reach state pension age. You will then receive your state pension. Check this here but you'll need to create an account to be able to do this. See link. https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age

    SDP can be claimed as part of pension credit but you'll need to claim this once your state pension starts.

    DLA no longer exists and you'll eventually be invited to apply for PIP. Of course they are extremely behind with the claims for this but it will happen sooner or later. In the meantime your DLA will continue as normal, even when you reach state pension age. When you're invited to apply for PIP you'll need to do this and then you'll be assessed for PIP. Once a decision's been made on that your DLA will stop.

    Hope this helps.
  • solis
    solis Online Community Member Posts: 4 Connected
    thank you all for your assistance.  I appreciate it very much.

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