Transition from Incapacity Benefit to State pension

zaksmum

Does anyone know how the transition from Incapacity Benefit to State Pension is made?

When a person becomes of State Pension age, is the final IB payment made on the previous week and the first State Pension payment the following week?

Does the DWP contact you in advance or just change the payment as appropriate at the relevant time? Thanks

Catden_2

This was my position 2 yrs ago so I can ony go by that.
Firstly you have to apply for your pension, do that in good time to make a smooth transaction. My last IB was about my birthday then the pension was paid a month later, as I was told it's paid in arrears.

It was all very smooth, I also received a very small payment which they said was owed to me. Hope that is some help.

carlislelass

I waited 6wks for my pension( mostly due to problems between them & bank) but was backdated. Might be useful to have enough spare money to "carry you through"

zaksmum

Catden wrote: »

This was my position 2 yrs ago so I can ony go by that.
Firstly you have to apply for your pension, do that in good time to make a smooth transaction. My last IB was about my birthday then the pension was paid a month later, as I was told it's paid in arrears.

It was all very smooth, I also received a very small payment which they said was owed to me. Hope that is some help.

Thanks Catden. When you say I have to apply for my pension, how do I do that? Do they automatically send me the forms or whatever through the post?

Or do I need to contact the relevant department first and say what?

Whiteknight

zaksmum wrote: »

Thanks Catden. When you say I have to apply for my pension, how do I do that? Do they automatically send me the forms or whatever through the post?

Or do I need to contact the relevant department first and say what?

As you are on Incapacity Benefit they should be able to award your State Pension automatically via WAPA (Working Age to Pension Age) they may need to contact you for additional information.

If you have not heard anything off them a month before your retirement age then give them a call. In respect to the transition between the two benefits the State Pension is paid in arrears and you can request that it is paid two weekly (the default it 4 weekly) and should notice it is paid when you would have normally expected your IB.

Have you considered if you would be entitled to Pension Credit as well?

Catden_2

Try this link Zacmum lots of information & a form to claim your pension.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/StatePension/DG_183111[/URL]