State pension specialist claims section

[Jaimz]

First hello to everyone and congratulations for this excellent site.
This is a bit complicated and you may not have heard of it before. I'm 64 and so is my wife. She has been a pensioner since 2014. But we only found out today she hasn't been getting it.this is because I claimed for her before she reached pension age. I'm on ESA WRAG and we thought her pension was paid via that claim for ESA. We even seen a benefits advisor who failed to notice she hadn't claimed her state pension.  It was only today when I inquired about pension credit it flagged up my wife hadn't claimed. She was told to call state pension and claim. This we dud and got told to hold while she spoke to the state pension specialist claims section. After about ten minutes on hold we got told they would have to contact ESA because of my claim and when my wife's state pension age claim backdate should be. Then we will be called in a week or so. In the meantime a letter just arrived fir a medical about my ESA. Has anyone heard of this specialist section. And as I will be a pensioner in a few months will pension credit take me off having any medical tests?


 

[Granny49]

It all sounds so complicated Jaimz that I doubt that anyone on here can help although you never know what experience others have had.  That's all we have to offer - experience; sadly we don't have anyone (again, as far as I know) with expertise in this area.  I would always suggest Age UK or the CAB but I do think you need that sort of advice.


Do let us know what happens as we may have others who have similar problems in the future

[Jaimz]

Thanks granny. I have an interview with an advisor on the 29th so I'll ask about it and post it if he can tell me anything. Novices now but collated we will eventually become experts,  hopefully ☺

[JCBDriver]

I tend to agree with G49 as I'm not clear what you mean by you claimed for her and why you should be on WRAG as this is meant to be for individuals who the DWP think will get employment in the future. However if you have already informed them of your intention to retire this seems a waste of effort on their part.

Get some advice from the CAB where you can explain your situation in detail.

[StephenM123]

It used to be if you were 64 (men) it was accepted that in reality you would be unable to find employment before you retired. Now with the JobCentrePlus one size fits all attitude and retiring at 65 not being compulsory people are 'harassed' until they are in receipt of their state pension (unless you are willing to receive zero benefits). The medicals often declare people who are not fit for work as fit for work! good luck with it all!

[Granny49]

Benefits have become terrifying to most Stephen.  We should be applying for a higher level DLA for our other supported family member but it looks as if that application would move them to PIP and the government has insisted they will not pay PIP for mental health related issues.  My daughter (who would be dealing with it initially) is concerned they would loose what has been allowed so far.  This family member will not get better but I have a feeling it will be a while before we can sort out proper benefits.  I am just glad I have my darling daughter to support me supporting Mum and she has me to support her in giving support to our other relative.  How people cope on their own is beyond me - other than coming on here of course   

[JCBDriver]

Yes, with an ageing population and the lack of funding families in the same situation as yours cant be looking forward to a brighter future.

Once we get Brexit out of the way I sincerely hope the government, of whatever colour, will give it the attention it deserves.

Sticking plaster mentality towards the NHS and care services is not a long term solution for those that dont have deep pockets. 

[Jaimz]

Thanks for the replies. I did try Age concern who just gave me my local CAB number. I think I'll just wait for this pension specialist section to call back and take it from there.