Pension Credit - what's classed as income

stampman63

Hi - I hope someone out there can help me. I'm in receipt of pension credit which following this year's assessment has been substantially reduced. I have always declared an Aviva (formerly CGNU) portfolio/life assurance bond as part of my investments. The DWP have always disregarded it, now however they choose to include it, even though I've taken no income from it and won't know what its truly worth unless I surrender it or my wife or I die. I've had this policy for 11 years. I've rung several times and written but still there offer no explanation as too why they now include it all I'm told is 'we made a mistake you won't have to pay anything back' Yet I've been told by the financial advisor who sold me this policy it should NOT be included within income. I've recently had a heart attack and I don't feel upto a protracted argument with the DWP unless I really understand the rules.