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Pension Age Confusion
- Susie27
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1 year 11 months ago #276920 by Susie27
Pension Age Confusion was created by Susie27
Hello there,
I appreciate that state pension/pension credit is not applicable to this forum. Mods, would it be possible to post this, just in case another forum member might be able to help me? I understand if you can't.
My dear friend reaches SPA on 7th March, this year. I have helped him to apply online for state pension and pension credit.
He has received notification of his state pension award, and his pension credit application has been received by DWP.
He currently receives Universal Credit, including the Housing Element, council tax exemption and PIP Enhanced/Enhanced ongoing.
I have been trying to contact our local authority via webchat and email as they are fully digitised, ie. all phone calls are redirected to the website. Age Concern and CAB are unable to help at this stage.
My friend lives alone and does not have any private or occupational pension.
I just want to know if I can apply for Housing Benefit ahead of the 7th March? Do I have to wait until he reaches his state pension age. I am assuming we will have to apply for housing benefit as it could be months before we learn if he even qualifies for pension credit.
The pension service at the dwp were actually really pleasant but kept saying I need to contact the local authority. I actually agree with then but that does not seem to be possible!
So, can I apply for Housing benefit online, even though he will be receiving UC Housing Element for the next 3 weeks - until he's 66?
Sorry for long post. I have gathered all of his necessary information; bank statements, proof of address etc but just don't know what to do with it.
It's been a while since I've been on this forum (been pretty unwell) but really good to be back.
Thank you, in advance,
Susie
I appreciate that state pension/pension credit is not applicable to this forum. Mods, would it be possible to post this, just in case another forum member might be able to help me? I understand if you can't.
My dear friend reaches SPA on 7th March, this year. I have helped him to apply online for state pension and pension credit.
He has received notification of his state pension award, and his pension credit application has been received by DWP.
He currently receives Universal Credit, including the Housing Element, council tax exemption and PIP Enhanced/Enhanced ongoing.
I have been trying to contact our local authority via webchat and email as they are fully digitised, ie. all phone calls are redirected to the website. Age Concern and CAB are unable to help at this stage.
My friend lives alone and does not have any private or occupational pension.
I just want to know if I can apply for Housing Benefit ahead of the 7th March? Do I have to wait until he reaches his state pension age. I am assuming we will have to apply for housing benefit as it could be months before we learn if he even qualifies for pension credit.
The pension service at the dwp were actually really pleasant but kept saying I need to contact the local authority. I actually agree with then but that does not seem to be possible!
So, can I apply for Housing benefit online, even though he will be receiving UC Housing Element for the next 3 weeks - until he's 66?
Sorry for long post. I have gathered all of his necessary information; bank statements, proof of address etc but just don't know what to do with it.
It's been a while since I've been on this forum (been pretty unwell) but really good to be back.
Thank you, in advance,
Susie
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- Gary
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1 year 11 months ago #276932 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Pension Age Confusion
Welcome back Susie27
I would apply now for housing benefit, not all local authorities have online application for housing benefit, if they do not have online application, then they will send out a paper application, remember when you apply for HB the local authority will need all bank a/c statements even those with £1.00 in , saving accounts, ISA's, stocks and shares and premium bonds, this is part of their verification process.
As soon as your friend reaches SP age then their UC will stop. To be eligible for PC their income must be below £182.60 a week unless they are in receipt of the daily living component of PIP or middle rate care, providing no one claims carer allowance for them then they would be eligible to an extra premium with their GPC claim of £69.40 raising GPC ceiling to £252.00.
What this means is without the extra premium GPC = £182.60, SP £185.15, as SP higher than GPC no GPC award
With the extra premium GPC = £252.00, SP £185.15, as GPC higher than SP = £66.75 GPC award, as GPC is a qualifying benefit, should also receive full HB and CTS.
Gary
I would apply now for housing benefit, not all local authorities have online application for housing benefit, if they do not have online application, then they will send out a paper application, remember when you apply for HB the local authority will need all bank a/c statements even those with £1.00 in , saving accounts, ISA's, stocks and shares and premium bonds, this is part of their verification process.
As soon as your friend reaches SP age then their UC will stop. To be eligible for PC their income must be below £182.60 a week unless they are in receipt of the daily living component of PIP or middle rate care, providing no one claims carer allowance for them then they would be eligible to an extra premium with their GPC claim of £69.40 raising GPC ceiling to £252.00.
What this means is without the extra premium GPC = £182.60, SP £185.15, as SP higher than GPC no GPC award
With the extra premium GPC = £252.00, SP £185.15, as GPC higher than SP = £66.75 GPC award, as GPC is a qualifying benefit, should also receive full HB and CTS.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- Susie27
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1 year 11 months ago #276933 by Susie27
Replied by Susie27 on topic Pension Age Confusion
Thank you, Gary.
When the online (or paper) application asks what benefits he is currently receiving, do I say his UC? Or do I say pension (he has received notification of his award).
Thank you
When the online (or paper) application asks what benefits he is currently receiving, do I say his UC? Or do I say pension (he has received notification of his award).
Thank you
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- Gary
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1 year 11 months ago #276935 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Pension Age Confusion
Hi Susie27
He is not currently receiving his pension, therefore state UC and explain when his state pension starts.
Some LA online claims form may not let you apply until they are SP age, whereas paper applications are more flexible. Contact the local authorities benefit department for advice first.
Gary
He is not currently receiving his pension, therefore state UC and explain when his state pension starts.
Some LA online claims form may not let you apply until they are SP age, whereas paper applications are more flexible. Contact the local authorities benefit department for advice first.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- Susie27
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1 year 11 months ago #276936 by Susie27
Replied by Susie27 on topic Pension Age Confusion
Thank you so very much, Gary! My friend is so grateful to me but I don't feel as though I'm really on top of this kind of thing.
Thank goodness for you and everyone else on this wonderful site!
Susie
Thank goodness for you and everyone else on this wonderful site!
Susie
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