Pension Pot

A while ago I asked a question about my very small government pension and whether it would effect my income based ESA if I claimed it early. I live alone and struggle to manage constantly. I was advised to take the lump sum as this would not be touched.

I have since discovered that I cannot take just the lump sum. It's all or nothing with government pensions. It's bad enough being a woman born in the 50s without any more blows. I'm 62 and didn't find out until 2014 that I won't get my state pension until I'm 66. If I claim the pension and lump sum now, does anyone know what the disregard would be. If it's all going to be swallowed by the government I don't think I'll bother. Even though I desperately need some spare cash.

Also, would this trigger a change in circumstance which in turn would mean claiming UC?

Since my reassessment in May, I've been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis to add to all my other problems. I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle and any kind of peace of mind is always out of reach.

Anyone got any good news?

I am interested in this issue and still trying to find out if a pension HAS to be taken at the age it becomes payable - so if it can be paid say from 60 (with no deductions) then can it be deferred to pension credit age - or will it be counted by dwp as 'notional income' for the calculation of ESA
I think it might be the latter
but I cannot get a defined answer to this

Small pensions can be commuted completely to lump sums on the grounds of "triviality". I had one which was due to pay about £1000 per annum but could be commuted to a lump sum of £19000. You have to ask your pension provider about it as some of them don't seem to know and it isn't widely publicised. It is worth asking though.