Pensioners entitled to disability aid
RENFREWSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
I currently receive Adult Disability Payment (ADP) at standard rate Daily Living and Universal Credit (UC) with no work requirements due to my ill health. Most of my rent is covered by the housing costs element.
I am due to reach state pension age next year. Somebody told me the ADP is not for pensioners and I am worried about how I will manage financially without this, especially as my health has deteriorated further and I can do less and less for myself.
Firstly, try not to worry, most people find they are slightly better off once they become entitled to their state pension.
Your ADP will not end when you reach state pension age. Your friend is right, you cannot begin an ADP claim once you are a pensioner, but if you are already receiving it, it can continue.
However, if your health has deteriorated, it may be worth asking for your award to be increased before you reach pension age. The mobility part of the ADP award cannot be added or increased after pension age – no matter how bad your mobility is – so if you think you may qualify, it’s a good idea to ask about it, and get reassessed, in time.
Do remember, though, that when your award is reassessed, there is always a chance that your existing award can be reduced – so it is best to check or seek advice first.
Once you’re within three months of your pension you can ask for a pension forecast so you know how much you will receive. You can get a forecast by visiting https://www.gov.uk/checkstate-pension, through the HMRC app https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ download-the-hmrc-app or by calling the Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175
If you live by yourself, your UC will end when you reach pension age and you will need to claim housing benefit for help with your rent.
Once you have your pension forecast you can check to see if you may be eligible for pension credit – an extra payment for some people on a low income.
Remember – your pension is not paid automatically; you have to apply for it. For advice contact Renfrewshire CAB on 0141 889 2121.
I have seen lots in the news about benefits being stopped/ changed – especially for disabled people and those who cannot work. I am terrified I will lose my current benefits and the stress is causing my anxiety to get even worse. When will my benefits stop?
There has been a lot of talk in the press about the UK Government replacing monthly disability payments with oneoff grants and about stopping payments for people out of work for more than a few weeks or months.
Try not to worry as, at the moment, these are just ideas the government is discussing and are nowhere near becoming policy or law.
The Job Centre is, however, within the existing rules, tightening up on imposing sanctions for people with work/work related activities. Ensure your work commitments (agreed with your work coach) are suitable for you so that you are not expected to do more than you are able to in your own situation.
If you have any problems with this, especially if you are sanctioned, please seek advice from Renfrewshire CAB.