Income Support and changes to my monthly ill-health Pension payments

pilsthedoughman

Hi all

I was recently awarded Income Support from the 9th August 2014, receiving a lump sum payment to cover the first 4 weeks to 5th September - fortnightly payments started 19th September.

When I applied for Income Support I had to enter my NET monthly occupational Pension payment, the latest of which at the time was £277, received by me 31st July.

however, the last NET pension payment I received 29th August amounted to £523 owing to a tax rebate and I have, of course advised Income Suport of this change - the monthly amount is likely to change again when I get it at the end of September so i will need to advise them again - why don't they take the gross figure which would make life a lot easier.

My question is as follows;

Will the change in Income Support payments (I will still qualify for them) take effect FROM 29th AUGUST 2014, the actual date that my net Monthly pension payment changed ?

or

As each Occupational Pension payment is, in effect, FOR THE MONTH IN WHICH IT IS RECEIVED, will the changes in Income Support take effect FROM 9th AUGUST 2014 ?

If any one can help it would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Regards

rogerblack

My understanding is that IS is a weekly benefit.
Any income received in a week alters your entitlement to IS for that week.
If you receive a monthly pension payment, that pension payment is income spread over the weeks it is paid for.

So, if you get a payment for November, which starts on a Saturday, and your benefit is paid normally on a Tuesday - then this pension payment would affect Sat-Tue of the first week, the next three whole weeks, and then Wed-Sun of the next week of IS.

The end two weeks of the month are affected by the months pension on each side

pilsthedoughman

Rogerblack

Thank you for your reply - I believe you are implying that the reduced Income Support payments would start from 9th August or just after ?

Refering back to my question - I don't see how the DWP can ASSUME that the monthly payment I received 29th August is in respect of the month of August - for all they know it might be paid in advance for September, in which case the Income support payments should reduce on or just after 29th August when the actual pension payment was made

Is anyone able to clarfy ?

Many thanks

Regards