Pension Credits entitlement for disabled pensioner

LaurenceFrancisKelly

I contacted PC to explain the situation, and they have asked me as an appointee to answer the following questions on behalf of my father:

1. Did you know that capital affects the amount of benefit that can be paid?
2. If so what did you intend to live on once you disposed of your capital?
3. Did you dispose of your capital to increase or secure extra entitlement to benefit?
4. Did you have a choice when you disposed of the capital?
5. Were you extravagant or imprudent when spending your capital?

They also said they can only consider any reduction in capital from the date I first contacted them, and not prior to this date. 
Naturally I am going to answer these questions honestly, I just hope I am correct with the wording so that I don't inadvertently get into trouble.

calcotti

From what you have posted previously the answers seem to be
1. No, 2. Not applicable, just thought the PC carried on as before, 3. No, 4. Yes, 5. No, was trying to help my son.

LaurenceFrancisKelly

Good news folks, got the following email from the pensions department:

"A decision has been made that your father did not deprive himself of capital to gain an increase to his benefits. We have updated his Pension Credit to reflect the decrease in his savings and investments which, as previously explained, can only be updated from the date we were made aware of the current balance in his accounts. A letter has been issued which provides a breakdown of his current award."

Thanks for all of the advice guys.

calcotti

I'm both surprised and impressed by how quickly you have got a response. Good result.