ESA, IIDB & Pension Credit - is it a waste of time?

krisskross

Mojisola wrote: »

I'm familiar with the system because my parents used to be the first call for a neighbour who had one of these alarms.

At the moment they phone me. I can't see any benefit in going through an intermediary just to get to me.

the systems are greatly improved from what they were a few years ago

Mojisola

creditcardhelp11 wrote: »

The benefit could be times when you are not at home.

krisskross wrote: »

Or if they are unable to get to the phone or speak perhaps

krisskross wrote: »

the systems are greatly improved from what they were a few years ago

Honestly, I have considered an alarm and thought the whole thing through.

They have my mobile number so it doesn't matter where I am. Three of their neighbours have keys so if I can't get to the house quickly, one of them will go round.

Mum would never have the alarm with her. It would be tucked safely away in a drawer or sitting somewhere for me to explain what it is because she's forgotten. When an emergency happens, Dad goes on to automatic pilot and I'm not sure he would press the alarm. His instinct would be to talk to me.

The system my parents' neighbour used was very effective. He had MS and had frequent falls. When he used his alarm, the company would phone Mum and Dad who went round with the key to help him themselves or give him moral support until the ambulance arrived.

rotoguys

creditcardhelp11 wrote: »

They don't actually reduce your carer's allowance. The extra money because you're entitled to Carer's Allowance but not paid is the Carers Premium on Pension Credit. You should both also be getting the severe disability premium as you are both classed as severely disabled. The IIDB would reduce the Pension credit because Pension Credit is means tested and will be reduced by most forms of income. However, ESA-C, SP, IIDB, DLA and AA are non-means tested. For those with lots of savings or income, it is better to claim ESA, IIDB etc… rather than claiming Pension Credit as it is means tested. However, Pension credit can come with an Assessed Income Period. If for example you win the lottery during that period then you do not have to inform the pension service and your pension credit would not be reduced during that period. However, changes such as new benefit entitlement (IIDB) and moving address must be conveyed to the pension service.

Yes you are right, I was looking at what the amount of money in the bank gives.

Yes again, in our case we have little in the way of savings so Pension Credit is the way to go. Shame I wasn't told about this 6 years ago!

Yes we do get the SDP as well another £110.60 a week!!!

Previously we didn't claim for anything other that ESA, DLA & AA + my wife's OAP. Now we find that we get CA (premium) x2 - £62.00, SDP £110.60 plus a top up as well and they pay us £69 a week towards the mortgage!

Just by getting the DLA & AA alone, I never knew that there was another £172.60 we could have had.

Because of my wife's age, I presume as I am not yet retired, they have said that this money will be paid to us under a 5 year AIP?
Didn't know what that was until you have just told me and that's why they are reducing the payment. Sio if we receive a substantial inheritance which is very likely within this 5 year period, they will not reduce the payments?

Maybe the answer is to pay off the mortgage etc before the 5 years are up.

rotoguys

krisskross wrote: »

Ah so we get no extra because we don't get pension credit?

Seems like all that scrimping to pay into private pensions has actually done us no good at all

It does seem that way.

I never realised that pensioners who are both disabled can get such a fantastic weekly income from a means tested benefit.

Claiming Pension Credit has more than doubled our weekly income because of all of the add on premiums and benefits.

rotoguys

creditcardhelp11 wrote: »

Carecall/Careline - you can get a rebate grant to cover the cost if you are receiving Pension Credit (Guarantee element).


Regardless of what you personally think about the Carer Premium and the claimants, they have every right to apply for it if they meet the conditions as prescribed by law.

Thanks, that is a good idea to have that system put in the house. Yes we get the Guarantee so it wouldn't cost us anything - wow!!!