Swtch or not Switch

Hi all here at B W

I am new here and so just learning as much as I can, from what I have seen so far I am very impressed I get the feeling of a friendly and helpful atmosphere so here is my question. I have just received a letter informing me that I will be getting an ESA form to fill in soon I was a little surprised really because of my age I am now 62 years old and I thought that I might have missed out on all this palaver as I will reach pension age in 2014 how ever my birthday lands on June 23rd so I just miss the March April 2014 date. I was wondering if it would be possible to sign of IB and take early retirement now to avoid this whole ordeal. With my age and all my physical problems, I was injured in an industrial accident when I was in an Industrial lift the gears malfunctioned and it fell 3 floors crashing into the sump destroying the lift and leaving me with spine and neck injuries I can rarely go out due to my problems and I have got to the point now where I dread being in crowded places as it always makes me feel distraught and anxious. If I am honest I expect to hear that it would not be possible to switch over pensions in this way but I thought that it would be nice to hear the facts from such caring and knowledgeable people. Thank you for taking the time to read my message I am most grateful to you all.

Kind Regards
Jlt

Hi Gordon

Thank you for taking the time to reply I am most grateful. I can promise you that your answer will not deter me from subscribing by any means. I have already started to look at the claim guides and they are indeed most helpful thank you. At least I have an idea what to expect when it arrives and this will help me no doubt. I note that it has changed dramatically from the old forms that I had to fill in there seems to be a genuine attempt to make it as difficult as possible for everyone no matter what their circumstances. I will not get on my soap box and have a political rant all though I feel like doing so. Take just one change for walking for instance, the old form ( I cannot walk more than 50 meters (55 yards) with out stopping OR feeling sever discomfort.) New ESA version Can you walk 50 meters (55 yards) before you need to stop?) It’s black or it’s white no room for grey. I can not help but to feel that the whole experience with this new ESA is designed to make life as difficult as possible for all concerned regardless of their genuine difficulties.

Thank you for your advice regarding a face to face Gordon I think I already had it in mind to book an appointment at my local CAB Not looking forward to going there as I just know that it will be more than just a little bit crowded and as I have mentioned I find that sort of thing very difficult.

Kind Regards

Jlt

Thank you Gordon

I have a lot of reading to do I think but at least it is here for me to read and try to understand.
Jlt

Hi jlt,

You are perfectly entitled to retire early through ill health if you wish to do so.

If you have a "personal pension", you will be able to receive what is called an "impaired life pension" by your pension provider, (because they think that they will be paying it out for too long)......great huh?..... because of your health issues, so they give you more money. You will have to provide them with details from your medical records. (Get these from your surgery).

If you are in the state pension scheme, this may or may not apply. You will have to find out.

You will have to notify the DWP when you have done this as they will not allow you to be in receipt of an income,(which is what the pension is),whilst claiming a benefit.

Hope this helps.