Close ESA ( request from DWP

[dillm]

Hi

Just received a note from the DWP suggesting I close my ESA (WR(contribution based )) and claim Pension Credit ( I am 63 and a half)

I only receive a NI contribution from ESA plus Pension Credit so it makes sense I phoned DWP and they say if I close ESA I will not have to have any medical or take part in work related programmes

I have checked with former colleagues ( at the CAB ) they confirm that the info is correct

Just seems to good to be true

any one had any experience of this

[letsgetitsorted]

a friend of mine actually told me about his claim and how it got switched to pension credit, he is now actually better off.

[dillm]

Hi found this

The Disability Rights Handbook has a section about Men having to be treated equally with Women. So a man who is the same age as a woman who is receiving State Pension, when he is not yet eligible, is entitled to NI credits until he reaches State Pension Age, without having to claim ESA or JSA. When State Pension ages become equal for men and women, these temporary arrangements will cease. so it seems the DWP are right

[estellyn]

Yes, if it's a credits only claim, you can close it down and just claim pension credit - NI credits are paid automatically between pension credit age and state pension age.

[dillm]

Hi

Just had written confirmation from pension credit I CAN close ESA(CB) without penalty

Thanks everyone

[Invalidation]

Did the switch last year, no problems and now nothing to do with the evil DWP or ATOS.

Now just waiting for sometime next year when my battle for DLA renewal will start