Hi all can anyone tell me if I have to inform the DWP after I cashed in my personal pension.. I am on ESA (contribution based) & in the support group. I don't claim any means tested benefits so wondered if I have to inform them... Thanks for any info.. J.S.
If your ESA is entirely contributory (with no income related top-up) then DWP will not need to be informed about any lump sum.
The situation is different for regular pension payments. The first £85 per week will be discounted, then your ESA would be reduced by £1 for every £2 of pension. You should notify DWP even if weekly payments are less than £85 as not doing so can cause problems further down the line.
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
