Previously on ESA, now being moved over to state pension, can I get pension credit?

[springonion]

Hi, I'm new here. I'm currently on ESA in the support group. I received a letter a few weeks ago saying that as I'm now approaching state pension age ( 6th January 2016) I was going to be paid £111.28p a week as off 25th January. I don't qualify for the full amount of £115 as I don't have enough stamps. My question is...will I be eligible for pension credit on top of my state pension as this amount is a lot less than I was getting on ESA. I live alone.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[honeybee13]

Hello and welcome to CAG.

 

You don't say if you are married or not, but I think it's possible you would qualify.

 

Here's a link to an anonymous benefits checker, try having a play with that and see what the answer is.

 

http://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/startcalc.aspx

 

My best, HB

[springonion]

Hi honeybee, thanks for your welcome and reply

 

I'm not married and have no savings.

[Madamfluff]

https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/overview

 

 

have a look at the above link, you should qualify according to that, however it will not be just a transition to PC from ESA you will have to show proof of entitlement - your pension award letter would be proof of income but as far as I am aware (someone may have more info) you will also have to show bank statements to prove you do not have savings etc over the above limit even though you may have shown proof when you claimed ESA.

 

 

If you are on Housing benefit and CTR (again someone may have more info) you would have to reapply for these showing new income

 

 

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/

 

 

 

AGEUK are brilliant at giving benefit advice it may be worth your while contacting them they can talk you through switching from working age benefits to state pension and pension benefits

Edited January 7, 2016 by Madamfluff
added age uk link

[honeybee13]

Madamfluff, I agree about AgeUK, excellent advice and they can make sure you're claiming for everything you're entitled to.

 

HB

[Lapsed Workaholic]

You will find Pension Credit application form at this link:

 

http://www.pkc.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=17777&p=0

 

The first half of the document explains the various parts that needs to be filled in. The second part is the actual form

[springonion]

Thank you both, I do get housing benefit and c/t benefit. I'll get my carer to contact them and will also contact age uk.

Thanks again for your replies, you've been very helpful.

[springonion]

Lapsed Workaholic,

 

Thank you for your reply, it's much appreciated. I'll get my carer to look into it.

[id6052]

you do not need to make fresh claims for HB/CTR - it is simply a change of circumstances