Potential redundancy and claiming ESA/PIP help

realshannon · 10 May 2018 at 3:35PM

REPOSTED FROM REDUNDANCY THREAD
Hi, I am 60 and have worked all my life. latterly, I have struggled because of chronic ill health, defined as a disability. this week I have been told I am at risk of redundancy. I have been given a list of jobs I can select as a preference and then HR will go thro and either offer me a trial or not. Out of the list, there is really only one I can go for, it would mean alot of training and travel to another office to do so. because of my disability, I would find the travel near impossible on a regular basis, even once a week would cause me issues. my question is, if no further support is forthcoming, can I take redundancy and claim ESA or possibly one element of PIP? (as I have 2 LGPS pensions I can use, presently deferred)
I have never claimed benefits, I presume I would need to see my GP for a medical certificate saying I am unfit for work (to start with) - but how soon after I have taken the redundancy? I expect my payment and pensions could stop me receiving any ESA or PIP. i have read alot online already but just feel further confused. any pointers would be very much appreciated. thank you

midnight_express · 10 May 2018 at 5:20PM

PIP isn't means tested and therefore wouldn't be affected by your pensions. Your entitlement to E S A would take your pensions into accounts and would depend on the amount of pension you get.If your pensions are too high you wouldn't get any E S A.

NeilCr · 10 May 2018 at 5:37PM

Just to reiterate the advice already given in the other thread. And completely understand why the question was asked here

"Have a read of the information here

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/

If you have been working it is likely that, if you qualify, you would get Contribution based ESA so capital and income would not be an issue.

PIP is not means tested.

May be worth popping into your local CAB or advice centre to talk this through. They should be able to help you with form filling etc too."

sammyjammy · 10 May 2018 at 7:02PM

NeilCr wrote: »

Just to reiterate the advice already given in the other thread. And completely understand why the question was asked here

"Have a read of the information here

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/

If you have been working it is likely that, if you qualify, you would get Contribution based ESA so capital and income would not be an issue.

PIP is not means tested.

May be worth popping into your local CAB or advice centre to talk this through. They should be able to help you with form filling etc too."

This does not apply to pension income, I understand even if the pension is deferred it will be taken into account.

xylophone · 10 May 2018 at 7:27PM

I understand even if the pension is deferred it will be taken into account.

The OP makes reference to deferred DB pensions and there will be a normal scheme retirement age at which benefits can be taken without actuarial reduction.

I do not think that a person could be required to draw a deferred pension if it would involve his being penalised by an actuarial reduction for early payment?

Potential redundancy and claiming ESA/PIP help

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