State pension now means tested?

Legacy_user

I have been sent a leaflet by the DWP explaining the state pension changes, and warning that I need to notify them of any changes to my circumstances, including:
change in earnings, other income, capital or savings of myself or wife.

But I didn't tell them anything about income or savings when I claimed the pension, so how will they recognise a change?
I thought state pension was an absolute entitlement based on NI contribution record. The pension forecast made no reference to income or savings.

Why do they need to know?

seven-day-weekend

State Pension itself is not means-tested, but if you claim Pension Credit on top, then that is, so they will need to know about your financial circumstances.

jamesd

The state pension is not means tested in any way, it's an absolute entitlement.

However, there is something called the Minimum Income Guarantee which ensures a minimum level of household income and this is paid via Pension Credit and is means tested.

Give them a call to find out whether they have included any Pension Credit and ensure that they know about other income and savings. They will get to reclaim any excess payments so it's worth getting it sorted out from the start.

System

I don't get Pension Credit, just ordinary state pension.

So does that mean I can ignore the requirement to notify changes?

Other than relevant ones like address or bank account details, of course.

missbiggles1

Surely the OP would know if he were claiming pension credit?

ETA
Now answered.

jamesd

If it's just a generic leaflet you can ignore it. If it's a letter specific to you, give them a call to verify the situation.

Quite a high percentage of the people receiving the state pensions are entitled to receive Pension Credit and estimates have suggested that it may increase to more than 50%. A generic leaflet needs to consider these possibilities.

greenglide

It is the notes accompanying the uprating notification?

I believe it has always had this on. Most of it is only relevant if claiming Pension Credit or other benefits but this goes to all SP recipients irrespective of what else they get.

System

No, definitely not claiming or receiving pension credit, and a generic leaflet not personal.
So it doesn't affect me and I can ignore it.

But it must be very worrying to many people, and cause a lot of anxious and needless work notifying DWP of every small change in income or savings, under apparent threat of penalties and charges for not complying.
It ought to explain that this requirement only affects pension credit.

teddysmum

OP, we received the leaflet you refer to, the other day,along with our 2016-17 State Pension information.


I started a thread about this, as it seems someone has just copied terms for means tested benefits onto a leaflet specifically for State Pension only.


I did ring the number on the letter,to mention this to them, but tired of waiting for my call to be answered.

brewerdave

.....perhaps it's another govt. " leak" - G.O is going to announce SP means testing in the Budget next Wednesday:eek: