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adnival · Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 8

I am to get my pension due to illness, i am 47. I have a choice of a pension and a tax free amount. my other option is to get a bigger tax free amount and a smaller pension. The pension is quite small. I am on incapacity and dla.
I do not know what is the best option
Is the tax free amount means tested ?
Is incapacity means tested?
Am i qualified to get dla until i am 65 as i am deemed unfit medically for work? or do i have to apply every time it runs out.
thank you

Administrator · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:02 am Post subject: Pension

DLA will continue as long as you meet the conditions even if this is after 65, nothing makes any difference to this.

Incapacity is not means tested but any work or pension over £85 weekly can reduce it for some people.

Incapacity will be paid until 65 or later as the pension age is increasing.

It would be normal to take the bigger lump sum as any weekly pension will effect any means tested benefit you have now or later such a Housing or Council tax benefit, working or child tax credits etc.

Talk to an independent financial adviser to make sure?
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adnival · Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 8

Is the tax free large amount means tested

Administrator · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 7:55 pm Post subject: Lump Sum

It will not be means tested.

But if you have capital / savings over £6,000 (£10,000 for over 60's) once its paid to you this could effect any Housing and Council Tax Benefits if you claim these.

It could also effect any other means tested benefits such as income support, pension credit, employemnt support income related but only if you claim these?
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