Pension, HB and CTB advice required

Cg1527

Ok I shall check that first of all thank you! We will definitely look around for other quotes too if that’s the option he goes for, it seems easier now I know what I’m looking for.

This has shown me how much I don’t know about pensions at all, I just pay it assuming it’ll all work out at the other end so I’m going to look into my own once I’ve got his sorted out!

Thank you again, Carolyn

calcotti

Cg1527 wrote: »

... I do feel he should qualify for Attendance Allowance right now.

Note that he can only claim Attendance Allowance when he reaches state pension age. If he were to claim now it would be Personal Independence Payment which is potentially worth more but is more complicated to claim.

Alice_Holt

Cg1527 wrote: »

Thank you Darren, I’ve done a little research so far regarding what you were saying and that’s given me a new line of enquiry as it sounds like a good option for my dad. I’ve ran his figures through and it seems he could get an annuity of £3000 so that would work well for him. I’m going to call his private pension company (with him) and look at his options for this.

Thank you too Alice for the info, he doesn’t currently get any additional benefits on top of his ESA but after reading your link I do feel he should qualify for Attendance Allowance right now. His memory and confusion ...

The other advantage of an annuity is that it takes away the concern of managing decisions about the draw-down of a pension pot.
Xylo's point about a GAR is well worth checking, I had a policy from the late 80's (S32) with a 10% GAR!

Do make an application for help with his care needs - more info on AA here -
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/factsheets/fs34_attendance_allowance_fcs.pdf

However, as he is currently under SPA - he may be able to make a claim for PIP. PIP has a mobility element which AA doesn't - so he could be better off claiming PIP rather than AA.
"To be eligible for PIP you must be aged between 16 and your State Pension age. "
It's likely his confusion would render following a journey difficult for him - so he might get a PIP mobility award as well as Daily Living (sort of equivalent to AA). Here are the criteria:
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-self-test
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/808855/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria.pdf

It's likely he might have difficulties with -
Preparing food;
Taking medication:
Budgeting:
Social engagement:
Dressing and undressing (appropriate and clean clothes?):
etc.

If you think this applies - I would get urgent advice and start the application:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/before-claiming/check-you-are-eligible/
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/how-to-claim/

If PIP is not awarded, then he can always claim AA after his SPA,

Cg1527

My dad’s pension pot is with Liverpool Victoria who took it over several years ago apparently from his original provider (whom he of course can’t remember the name of) so I’ll read over the paperwork again that they sent out once he was traced. It'll hopefully make much more sense now I know what I’m looking for

He was recently invited to apply for his state pension which I helped him to online so we are just waiting on hearing back about that. It did say he won’t get any payments until the 6th of September so he will remain on ESA until then. I’m assuming though that’ll mean it’s too late uk apply for PIP as I’m sure it’ll take much longer to get that up and running.

His travel is very limited because he forgets where everything is. He also doesn’t care very well for himself but he is at that awkward stage where he thinks he is coping fine even when everyone can see he is not. Hopefully if I get some information about the above for him, he can read over it and realise these are exactly the things he struggled with and there’s help out there for him.

Thank you again everyone for your help and advice, I really do appreciate it!

Carolyn

calcotti

Cg1527 wrote: »

I’m assuming though that’ll mean it’s too late uk apply for PIP as I’m sure it’ll take much longer to get that up and running.

The claim start date is the date the initial phone call is made stating that somebody wishes to claim. This call starts the process for DWP of sending out the health form.

As long as that call is made before state pension age PIP can be claimed. Even though the clam will not be decided until after pension age because it does take time any award will be backdated to the date of that initial call.

Alice_Holt

Cg1527 wrote: »

I’m assuming though that’ll mean it’s too late to apply for PIP as I’m sure it’ll take much longer to get that up and running.

His travel is very limited because he forgets where everything is. He also doesn’t care very well for himself...

No it isn't. Hence my comment "get urgent advice and start the application ". As long as the application (a phone call) is started before he reaches SPA.

"Basic information you need to start your claim

You’ll need to have this information when you call the DWP:
your full name, address and phone number
your National Insurance number
your bank or building society account details
contact details of your GP or other health professionals you deal with
the dates and details of any stays in hospital or residential care
your nationality or immigration status
if you’ve been abroad for more than 4 weeks at a time in the last 3 years (you’ll need the dates and details)
You’ll be asked if you have any conditions relating to your mental health, a learning difficulty or behavioural condition. These questions are asked to check if you need any additional help or support with your claim...

...PIP claim line
Telephone: 0800 917 2222
Textphone: 0800 917 7777
Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Calls are free from landlines and from mobiles.

It should take about 20 minutes to complete the call. If you’d prefer someone else to call for you that’s fine, but you need to be with them so you can give permission for them to speak for you."

Cg1527

Aahh ok I see, that’s great to know! I’m going to speak with him and get the ball rolling tomorrow then, we can only apply and see

I will look into AA afterwards if he is unsuccessful.

Thank you again, it hadn’t even crossed my mind about other possible entitlements as I have been so engrossed in sorting out his pension. I’m so glad I came here for advice and so many people have taken their time to help myself and my dad out. You are all so very kind and it means a lot!

Good night,
Carolyn