SMI Council Tax

mad_spaniel

I am currently in receipt of ESA and DLA  low rate care and mobility. I get a council tax discount because of SMI on the basis of receipt of ESA. I have been debating whether I should ask for a PIP review because of deterioration. I got a letter from my CPN years ago that I never sent off because I was frightened I'd lose what DLA has been awarded. I wonder if I should do this now.

 Is it true that if I am in receipt of Retirement Pension if I don't get PIP care, I lose the SMI reduction in Council Tax? Or does  the Retirement Pension following on from the ESA count as a qualifying benefit because it's a follow on benefit, and I could still get it? 

I hope this makes sense.

calcotti

When you get to pension age your ESA ends and you will receive State Pension (and possibly Pension Credit). It makes no difference to PIP or SMI.
{EDIT - misread opening post. My reply doesn't address OP's situation}

mad_spaniel

So the SMI reduction on Council Tax would continue even if I get only Retirement pension and DLA low rate care/mobility/ no PIP? Is there anything you could point me to anything official  that confirms that? Thanks for replying. Sorry for being thick.

calcotti

mad_spaniel said:

So the SMI reduction on Council Tax would continue even if I get only Retirement pension and DLA low rate care/mobility/ no PIP? Is there anything you could point me to anything official  that confirms that? Thanks for replying. Sorry for being thick.

You are not being thick at all. Rather it's me - my apologies, I misread you post. Please ignore my previous reply.
In considering whether or not to apply for PIP one thing to consider is that once you reach pension age it would not be possible to increase your mobility award so if you think you would qualify for enhanced rate mobility it might be worth applying before reaching pension age.
The answer to the question you actually asked - I don't know but based on needing to have a claim for certain specified benefits it does look as if (although not logical) you could lose the SMI discount when the ESA ends. Could you, or someone on your behalf, speak to your local authority?
Apologies again.

CIS

To receive the SMI disregard you must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit (or otherwise have DWP confirm you are entitled - which they won't do unless you have a successful claim).

If, at pension age, you were no longer in receipt of a qualifying benefit then the disregard would cease. The qualifying benefits are shown here.

mad_spaniel

Thank you Calcotti and CIS