Pension Credits

[the tinkerman]

Hi

 

Was wondering if anyone out their could shed any Light on this please

 

Family friends Husband has had to go into a nursing home so the council have informed her that she should apply for pension credits.

 

When she rang them they asked for her savings details which she gave and then they advised that she would be be entitled to some pension credits but before they could process the application that she needed the last 3 months statements in front of her and has 30 days in which to get them for the 3 accounts appertaining to here savings

 

She then asked would she not be better off sending them a copy, to which they stated no so long as she had them in front of her when she rang back then that would suffice and it is only under certain circumstances were they may ask you for a copy of them.

 

Which begs the question how do they know if people are telling the truth or not as regards their savings if you don't need to send them a copy of your statements or do they have access and the authority to get this information.

 

 

Tinks

[wanton]

For most Pension Credit applications, they don't really need sight of the bank statements provided that the total savings figure is below £10,000. They rely on the claimant's honesty. I have never had to supply details or proof of our savings either. Just confirmation that the total is under £10,000.

I suppose they could do a spot check but I doubt it. I had an in-depth review in June this year and didn't send any proof nor was any asked for.

Why would you want to lie about the level of your savings? I find most people are totally honest.

 

 

Pension Credit applicants are in the main in their 60's and above. The DWP do not put them in the same category as younger claimants that claim JSA/ESA or IS.

[the tinkerman]

Hi wanton

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

Whilst I understand the gist of what you are saying I think you would be surprised at how many people do not tell the truth when it comes to claiming state benefits, that is why I was asking the question do they have any system in place where they can check what finances you actually have other than you telling them over the phone or sending in statements, otherwise I just think it is a bit of a ad hoc system, don’t get me wrong whilst I fully understand that there are people who cannot save due to their circumstances, then there are people who don’t want to save, then there are people who do save but then why should that be detrimental as to what pension credits they receive, they have worked all their lives, been cautious and saved some of their money so why should they then have to live on it, would a fairer system not be that they all get the same amount of pension credits.

 

I mean the lady in question here is not a millionaire or anything, in fact she is only just above the amount you have quoted, thankfully I am nowhere near retirement age yet but it begs the question is it really worth saving any money for a rainy day.

 

Wouldn't surprise me in few years time, that if you have a private pension then you will be expected to live on that and not get a state pension or just get part of a state pension to top it up.

 

Just my thoughts.

 

Tinks

[wanton]

Hi wanton

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

Whilst I understand the gist of what you are saying I think you would be surprised at how many people do not tell the truth when it comes to claiming state benefits, that is why I was asking the question do they have any system in place where they can check what finances you actually have other than you telling them over the phone or sending in statements, otherwise I just think it is a bit of a ad hoc system, don’t get me wrong whilst I fully understand that there are people who cannot save due to their circumstances, then there are people who don’t want to save, then there are people who do save but then why should that be detrimental as to what pension credits they receive, they have worked all their lives, been cautious and saved some of their money so why should they then have to live on it, would a fairer system not be that they all get the same amount of pension credits.

 

I mean the lady in question here is not a millionaire or anything, in fact she is only just above the amount you have quoted, thankfully I am nowhere near retirement age yet but it begs the question is it really worth saving any money for a rainy day.

 

Wouldn't surprise me in few years time, that if you have a private pension then you will be expected to live on that and not get a state pension or just get part of a state pension to top it up.

 

Just my thoughts.

 

Tinks

 

 

There are two systems in place. The DWP/Pension Service can put you on notice to supply the statements if they think the claimant may have been a little economical with the truth. If the statements aren't sent in they can suspend/terminate the claim.

The second is that if they think fraud is involved, they have access with the bank direct to get the info.

 

 

As I have said, we have claimed Guaranteed Pension Credit for the past 5 years since I was 60. I/we have never been asked to prove what is or was in the bank/purse/under the mattress etc. They have asked for proof of our many pensions, but not the capital held.

 

 

Part of what you say I do agree with. Our Pension Credit award is reduced considerably by the amount of our private pensions. If we didn't have these pensions, then the Pension Credit would be higher. We get no more than someone who has never saved or invested in a private pension for the Guaranteed element, although we do get the max savings element of just over £20 a week.

 

 

Should people spend, spend and spend? I would have done with what I know now, but then if you have to rely on a benefit for your income, that benefit can in the future be withdrawn or reduced. They can't touch my pensions.