Redundancy Looming - Shall I Give Up Work

KittyS

Silvercrest said:

Please bear in mind that private pension income of more than £85 weekly will affect any ESA entitlement award. I believe 50% of anything over £85 will be fully offset against the ESA amount. You would be wise to use a benefits calculator such as turn2us to see what effect your net private pension could have. Also, I note that you have mentioned health conditions. Have you looked up the Personal Independence Payment rules? Maybe you could qualify for this. It is totally non-means tested and non-taxable if you should qualify for it. Just a suggestion!

Thanks Silvercrest - I've done the benefit calculator and it works out I will get £45 a week with ESA before I go to assessment.  I am on a 10 year PIP award high for care and low for mobility.  It has a clause not to be looked at before 2031 so it will be a light touch.  I am hoping that will help with my ESA as I am currently getting my evidence together for when I have to apply.  

It is now looking likely that I will be made redundant as they want full time people.  I can only manage under 20 hours.  

Purplelady65

I don’t think you have mentioned if the pension is index linked so that you would get inflation added on each year. Some OP have suggested you carry on working as it might help take your mind off your health conditions. I’d suggest that not working may equally be of help as you will be able to fully focus on your health conditions and have more time to look after yourself. As others have mentioned the over 50s saving board has plenty of people on it living a great life on small incomes. Good luck with it all. 

KittyS

Thanks Purplelady I will have a look and see if it is index linked.  I think not working for a little while will help with my health conditions.  I am deaf as well and I am fed up of asking people to make reasonable adjustments.  I want to look after myself.  Thanks again -