- Posts: 27
savings and contributional ESA
- medion4@live.co.uk
- Topic Author
- Offline
My hubby has drawn down a partial lump sum down from his pension to help pay of debt and a new kitchen. Looking at your site this does not seem to affect my insurance contributional ESA or PIP. To be on the safe side I contacted DWP who noted this info on my records and I stated clearly it's my hubbies pension and not mine, he receives no benefits. Now they want proof debt paid off receipts statements and alsorts. Is this correct or was it enough just to advise them and the advisor has got it wrong asking for all this proof? Or have I missed something and it does make a difference to my benefits? Help please.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- slugsta
- Offline
- Posts: 9439
Neither PIP nor Contributory ESA are means tested, it does not matter how much money you have in the bank. However, you are now in a difficult position as your ESA could be stopped if you do not supply information requested.
I would recommend that you phone DWP and ask for a call back from a supervisor (phone early to get a call-back the same day) and explain your situation. If they say that you do not need to supply the information, ask him/her to put this in writing for you!
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- oldman
- Offline
- Posts: 83
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Gordon
- Offline
- Posts: 51284
oldman wrote: Received lump sum and early pension from work, informed dwp. Just had letter back, because savings over 16k esa, con based support group, reduced to £10.40 PER WEEK. Pension is 650 permonth.
I would get someone to check your paperwork as the number you have mentioned don't add up.
Contribution Based ESA takes no account of your savings so there would be no reduction from that and although it is only a guessitimate I work out the deduction for your pension as just over £30 per week.
Do an internet search for "welfare" advice with your postcode, town or county to get a list of traied advisors in your area.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- oldman
- Offline
- Posts: 83
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Gordon
- Offline
- Posts: 51284
oldman wrote: Letter, and I quote: we cannot pay you because you and your partner have more than £16,000 in savings. Claim again if your savings decrease to £16,000 or less. Does claim again mean resubmit a new claim?
This relates only to any Income Related ESA that you might be entitled to, perhaps for being in the Support Group which would normally mean you would be entitled to the Enhanced Disability Premium but for you having over £16,000 in savings
Pension income is deducted from any ESA(CB) payments but there is an £85/week disregard and deductions are made at the rate of £1 for every £2.
So If your monthly pension payment is £650 per month then I estimate this to be £151.67 a week (£650 / 30 = £21.67 x 7 = £151.67). Minus the disregard is £66.67 (£151.67 - £85 = £66.67) so the deduction should be £33.33 (£66.67 / 2 = £33.33)
From what you have told us your deduction is closer to £100 a week.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.