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My ESA and Wife's Pension
- doug.com
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4 years 2 months ago #255712 by doug.com
My ESA and Wife's Pension was created by doug.com
Hello, wonder if anyone can help us, My wife gets her pension paid first time on 17th February 2021, and in the letter it says (Person who is receiving extra money added onto there social security benefit or entitlement for you) It then goes onto say "You told us or our records show that no other person is receiving extra money added onto there social security benefit or entitlement for you". If i had seen this (Her Husband) i would have said yes.
As her husband i receive ESA as a couple
We also have just received a new letter from ESA regarding changes to my entitlements, as of 12th April 2021 the rates of Social Security benefits will change, then say's " From 13th April 2021 your ESA will rise because of a change in the rates of Social Security benefits or a change in money coming in.
The next page then goes on to state how much i will receive extra for me and my "Partner"
1) living expenses me and my partner
2) Extra money because of your partners age
3) Extra money because you and your partner are severely disabled
4) Extra money because you are in a support group
Are any of theses Four entitlements going to affect my wife's new pension when it starts? i do understand when i get to my Pension age my ESA will either stop all together or be very low, I tried calling the number but due to covid 19 it just rang and rang.
As her husband i receive ESA as a couple
We also have just received a new letter from ESA regarding changes to my entitlements, as of 12th April 2021 the rates of Social Security benefits will change, then say's " From 13th April 2021 your ESA will rise because of a change in the rates of Social Security benefits or a change in money coming in.
The next page then goes on to state how much i will receive extra for me and my "Partner"
1) living expenses me and my partner
2) Extra money because of your partners age
3) Extra money because you and your partner are severely disabled
4) Extra money because you are in a support group
Are any of theses Four entitlements going to affect my wife's new pension when it starts? i do understand when i get to my Pension age my ESA will either stop all together or be very low, I tried calling the number but due to covid 19 it just rang and rang.
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- LL26
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4 years 2 months ago #255716 by LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by LL26 on topic My ESA and Wife's Pension
Hi doug.com
Welcome to Benefits and Work!
Let me go through a few of the benefit 'rules' first.
Until 2019 as long as one partner had reached pension age, both of you could claim pension credit if you were on low income ie below the threshold. On that basis I do not believe that your wife will receive anything but the State Retirement Pension (in accordance with what she has paid in/been credited for NI Contributions.) Since you are already on ESA, it is correct that you have been receiving money at the couple rate, and presumably because you both have severe disability premium I am assuming that you are both in receipt of a disability benefit (eg PIP or DLA?)
Can you clarify if you were previously receiving Incapacity Benefit, and if so, when did this start? How long have you been on ESA?
I assume that you are not yet of pensionable age, because you receive ESA. On this basis, you won't be able to claim Pension Credit. However, you can still claim ESA, for both you and your wife, however, it is possible that the actual amount of money you physically get will be little or nothing, as your wife's pension (income) will be offset against the four items that appear to be on your allowance. Nevertheless, even if you get no physical money due to this offset, it is important to continue to claim (as a nil value claim) as then NI Credits will still be paid for you, which is particularly important since you are nearing pension age.
I am somewhat confused by the letter that your wife has received, but I do not believe this to be right. I am afraid that you may need to pursue with trying to phone DWP, as otherwise an overpayment could occur and this could cause more hassle and difficulty. Try ringing the Pension Service, who may be easier to get hold of than ESA. If you dont' get through to either department by the end of Monday, then write to both dept's and explain as you have below. Send both letters first class/signed for if you can. At present your wife hasn't received her pension, so there is no possibility of an overpayment occurring. Even though you have sent the letters, still try to phone, as I am sure you will eventually get through. Ask for both of your benefits to be clarified. Make a note of the time of any conversation, the person you speak to, what's said, in case you need to refer to this later. Tell the person, you have already sent a letter as well.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
LL26
Welcome to Benefits and Work!
Let me go through a few of the benefit 'rules' first.
Until 2019 as long as one partner had reached pension age, both of you could claim pension credit if you were on low income ie below the threshold. On that basis I do not believe that your wife will receive anything but the State Retirement Pension (in accordance with what she has paid in/been credited for NI Contributions.) Since you are already on ESA, it is correct that you have been receiving money at the couple rate, and presumably because you both have severe disability premium I am assuming that you are both in receipt of a disability benefit (eg PIP or DLA?)
Can you clarify if you were previously receiving Incapacity Benefit, and if so, when did this start? How long have you been on ESA?
I assume that you are not yet of pensionable age, because you receive ESA. On this basis, you won't be able to claim Pension Credit. However, you can still claim ESA, for both you and your wife, however, it is possible that the actual amount of money you physically get will be little or nothing, as your wife's pension (income) will be offset against the four items that appear to be on your allowance. Nevertheless, even if you get no physical money due to this offset, it is important to continue to claim (as a nil value claim) as then NI Credits will still be paid for you, which is particularly important since you are nearing pension age.
I am somewhat confused by the letter that your wife has received, but I do not believe this to be right. I am afraid that you may need to pursue with trying to phone DWP, as otherwise an overpayment could occur and this could cause more hassle and difficulty. Try ringing the Pension Service, who may be easier to get hold of than ESA. If you dont' get through to either department by the end of Monday, then write to both dept's and explain as you have below. Send both letters first class/signed for if you can. At present your wife hasn't received her pension, so there is no possibility of an overpayment occurring. Even though you have sent the letters, still try to phone, as I am sure you will eventually get through. Ask for both of your benefits to be clarified. Make a note of the time of any conversation, the person you speak to, what's said, in case you need to refer to this later. Tell the person, you have already sent a letter as well.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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