State Pension age and Benefits

Hi, i will be 65 next month and a pensioner the following year. At this time i am claiming ESA at Suppor Group level and also PIP, and i should add that i had a terrible time with my last medical; i am just asking if i need to do anything now with regard to retirement October next year? I will probably have another PIP medical in the New Year, but they keep on putting this off.

Thanks, Rob.

Hi Robert, please avoid my sister's mistake! Due to her mental health problems, she failed to claim her State Pension on time. You can do it before your birthday. As a result of her not doing, her housing and council tax benefit all stopped and it is a nightmare getting it all going again. Also if you don't have much/any other income, or capital over £10k, it is worth claiming Pension Credit, which will give you a good deal more cash depending on your circumstances.
Re the PIP, once you turn retirement age the mobility [if any] cannot go from zero to standard or standard to enhanced. So if you have mobility challenges and you do get reassessed first, make sure you do a good job of the claim for it.
Best wishes,
Denby

Hi Robert, Following on from what has been said, I would put a marker in your diary for 6-9 months before you get to pension age. If you have not had your PIP Award renewed by then, I would put in a ‘Change of Circumstances’ if you think you would get a higher award than you currently get.

Hi Robert,

I'm quite a bit in front of you, so to speak, on the pension front I reach state pension age early next year.

I, too receive PIP, am in the ESA support group - and my last PIP assessment before the one I'm going through now, had a very negative effect on my health, in particular mentally.

Once I have got my decision letter, probably towards the end of next month, it's all systems go. I will apply for my state pension and go through my private ones - one by one.

All I can say (you're probably doing this, but anyway) is take your time, but don't put it off. Be well prepared and do your sums so you have an idea where you will be when you retire.

I've had this plan for a long time so it's one thing I don't really stress about now. I'm nervous but also looking forward to it.

The very best of luck!

Regards,

Phrank.