Overpayments can be reclaimed

Q. I have some savings which Pension Credit found out about. They stopped my payments for Pension Credit as I expected would happen, but they have also reduced my State Pension. I did not think my State Pension would be affected by my savings?

A. State Pensions are paid based on the National Insurance contributions you have paid or qualified for; they are not affected by your savings. You may however find that you have an overpayment of Pension Credit due to the undeclared savings and this may be being recovered from your State Pension.If there was an overpayment then the Pension Service should have written to you to explain their decision, the amount and period of the overpayment; the letter would also have explained your right to appeal the decision. You can contact the Pension Service on 0345 60 60 265 to confirm if there is an overpayment being recovered from your State Pension.

Q. I am disabled and a claim Employment and Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payment. I also get Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, but I have to pay for my spare bedroom and this takes a chunk of my income each week. I have been told that I might not have to pay this because I am disabled, is that correct?

AYou can have a bedroom set aside for an overnight carer if you have someone that stays over. . To qualify for this you must show the Local Authority that you are receiving Disability Living Allowance (middle or high rate care) Personal Independence Payment (for personal care) or Attendance Allowance or be able to provide evidence to the Local Authority that you require regular over- night care. If this criteria is met, then the Local Authority would class both of your bedrooms a being in use and would not apply the bedroom tax to your Housing Benefit claim. If you do not require overnight care, then you could apply for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) instead. A DHP is an addition payment from the Local Authority for people who are struggling financially. The amount and length of the payment is variable and assessed on a case by case basis. There is no legal entitlement to a DHP and no formal appeals process although you can ask the Local Authority to look at their decision again if you are refused.

Q. I receive Jobseekers Allowance and I’ve just received a review form asking to confirm my circumstances. It is asking about savings and I can show that I don’t have any, but my daughter is 6 and her grandparents put money into a child saver account for her; do I have to declare this to the DWP?

AOnly savings which belong to you or your partner need to be declared, your daughter’s savings will not affect your claim if they are in her name. .