Private pension and UC

skippinghare

Hi, all. 

It might have been discussed already but I couldn’t find a right answer.
I am living on UC due to my health. 

I lost my husband and I recently discovered he had private pension. 
We have no child and regally I am entitled to receive the money from it.

I know the saving over 16,000 pounds rule and I don’t know how much I would receive yet. It might be a little over 16,000 but not enough for me to survive for a year as my rent is really high. 

I borrowed money from my mother in law when I lost my husband for funeral and daily living.
I would like to pay her back that money from his pension but do you think DWP would suspect that as I am trying to hide the money? 

Also if my UC stops by receiving the money, do I have to go through an assessment again when I use up money or can I just reclaim? 

kaMelo

Could you clarify whether you would be receiving a spouse pension or the whole pension pot will transfer into a pot in your name?

Spoonie_Turtle

skippinghare said:

 

Also if my UC stops by receiving the money, do I have to go through an assessment again when I use up money or can I just reclaim? 

Unfortunately yes.  The way around this in theory is to claim ESA on a credits-only basis.  If you have to do this, i.e. if you'll get the full pot or a lump sum that'll take you over the threshold, then you'll need to start the ESA claim before receiving the pension.  That way you keep your WCA outcome even after UC closes, and then when you need to reclaim UC your WCA outcome is still current.

I say 'in theory' because this is what experienced and knowledgeable members have advised others, but I can't recall whether I've read anyone's experience of actually doing it.  But, it's the only way to keep your WCA outcome so if you don't try, you'll definitely lose it and have to be reassessed.

I'm sorry for your loss, and I'm sorry that something that should be making your life easier (the money) ends up coming with some complications.