Pension Credit?

melbury

My OH gets ESA (support group) and has received a letter today from Jobcentreplus, which neither of us really understands.

It says, quote:

"We are writing to you because our records show that you will reach the minimum state pension credit age in November 2017.

Although ESA can continue to be paid until they reach their state pension age, there may be another option available to you. People of minimum state pension credit age or over may be entitled to Pension Credit. However, ESA (Income Based) and pension credit cannot be paid at the same time. You need to decide which one you want to receive.

My OH is due to receive state pension next year.

Has anyone else come across this?

Thanks.

Torry_Quine

Once someone reaches female state pension age they can claim pension credit. This is means tested but doesn't gave the medical assessments. It really is up to you dependent on circumstances.

Alice_Holt

It may be worth you both visiting your local CAB to get a benefits calculation to assess which may be the best option.

May also be worth looking at PIP eligibility before your OH reaches SPA.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/before-claiming/check-you-are-eligible/

melbury

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Once someone reaches female state pension age they can claim pension credit. This is means tested but doesn't gave the medical assessments. It really is up to you dependent on circumstances.

Sorry I wasn't very clear - it is my husband who received the letter, not me. So does the same thing apply?

Torry_Quine

melbury wrote: »

Sorry I wasn't very clear - it is my husband who received the letter, not me. So does the same thing apply?

You were clear and I was meaning this applies to your husband

melbury

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Once someone reaches female state pension age they can claim pension credit. This is means tested but doesn't gave the medical assessments. It really is up to you dependent on circumstances.

So if you have any savings over a certain amount, then presumably you cannot claim it.

Would they also take my earnings into account, or is it purely my husband's, which is ESA?

p00hsticks

melbury wrote: »

So if you have any savings over a certain amount, then presumably you cannot claim it.

Would they also take my earnings into account, or is it purely my husband's, which is ESA?

I may be wrong but I though both income based ESA and Pension credit took a partners income into account

anmarj

Yes Pension Credit will take the earnings into account as it is means tested. There is no upper limit for savings, but anything other £10k is taken into account at a rate of £1 for every £500 above the £10k

melbury

anmarj wrote: »

Yes Pension Credit will take the earnings into account as it is means tested. There is no upper limit for savings, but anything other £10k is taken into account at a rate of £1 for every £500 above the £10k

Oh I see, so they would take my earnings into account then, as well as savings.

Thanks for clarifying that.