In 2010 I had open heart surgery, I had been on JSA/Income support for some time before this operation and it seemed I may well have to be on it for some time after the operation. I decided to take out early a personal pension which I had paid into when employed for a few yrs. I decided to go along to my local CAB for advice, I asked if this would effect my benefits, the reply was NO, as the amount of £7.50 a week would not effect the benefit. I recently received a letter from jobcentreplus/DWP asking for some £912.00 in over payments made because of the Pension.
I emailed one of the head offices and asked if this was the case, if it is correct that my benefit would be affected via this small amount from the pension.
His reply was, He had spoken to there benefits specialists and using the Welfare Benefits Handbook it says, in certain circumstances your ESA may be reduced, For a contributory ESA, this applies if you receive certain pension payments of over £85 per week.. So we are unsure if £85 rule is relevant or not. Can I suggest you go to your local CAB and them to call the Benefits delivery centre on escalation numbers .
I visited my local CAB office, where upon I was greeted with a grumpy lady, who really did not want to go into it, refused to make a phone call on my behalf, and refused to give me copies of our correspondence and advise from there computer.
I believe I was wrongly advised.
Can anyone offer anything on the above please, this is really getting to me and affecting my health..
I emailed one of the head offices and asked if this was the case, if it is correct that my benefit would be affected via this small amount from the pension.
His reply was, He had spoken to there benefits specialists and using the Welfare Benefits Handbook it says, in certain circumstances your ESA may be reduced, For a contributory ESA, this applies if you receive certain pension payments of over £85 per week.. So we are unsure if £85 rule is relevant or not. Can I suggest you go to your local CAB and them to call the Benefits delivery centre on escalation numbers .
I visited my local CAB office, where upon I was greeted with a grumpy lady, who really did not want to go into it, refused to make a phone call on my behalf, and refused to give me copies of our correspondence and advise from there computer.
I believe I was wrongly advised.
Can anyone offer anything on the above please, this is really getting to me and affecting my health..