ESA or Pension credit

Janiwan

Hi , my husband suffers with COPD and is currently receiving ESA also higher rate of daily living allowance and high rate of mobility allowance through P.I.P.I also receive carers allowance for looking after him full time ,we have been told we need to decide to stay with ESA or move to pension credits he is 62 and I am 47 don't know if that makes any difference .We are really struggling here as we don't know if moving would be the best option or not ....can anyone help please

pmlindyloo

Which group is he in as regards ESA - Support or WRAG?

WillowCat

You need to check when he would be entitled to pension credit - it is at the age when a woman born on the same day would get her state pension. The details are on table 2 here : https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/310231/spa-timetable.pdf

You can model your results on entitledto.co.uk to see how much pension credit you would get.

I suspect, that it would be more than you currently get in ESA - the minimum income for a couple is £230.85 which would include your carers allowance however a carers addition (premium) would be added on top so it should be £270 ish per week.

You will also still get his PIP, as normal.

When universal credit comes in fully then you would have to be on that rather than pension credit as you are under state pension age. It would be wise to claim as soon as you can as there will be transitional protection to maintain the higher amount.

TELLIT01

One benefit of Pension Credit would be no more potential medical examinations. That is only one aspect and you do need to get advice before making a final decision.

pmlindyloo

WillowCat wrote: »

You need to check when he would be entitled to pension credit - it is at the age when a woman born on the same day would get her state pension. The details are on table 2 here : https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/310231/spa-timetable.pdf

You can model your results on entitledto.co.uk to see how much pension credit you would get.

I suspect, that it would be more than you currently get in ESA - the minimum income for a couple is £230.85 which would include your carers allowance however a carers addition (premium) would be added on top so it should be £270 ish per week.

You will also still get his PIP, as normal.

When universal credit comes in fully then you would have to be on that rather than pension credit as you are under state pension age. It would be wise to claim as soon as you can as there will be transitional protection to maintain the higher amount.

I suspect the OP has received a letter for DWP saying that he needs to consider claiming PC in the near future so probably is 63 in the near future.

Worth checking though!

Since the OP's husband gets disability premiums added due to his PIP awards then he is likely to be entitled to more than your quoted figure though I respect that you said 'ish'.

The OP can use a benefit calculator but the very best way is to get a 'better off' check up from CAB or AgeUK.

I agree that PC usually awards more.

Janiwan

he is in the support group