My husband 63, retirement age 65 with mental health problems since 1981, receiving Invalidity Benefit then Incapacity Benefit to current time. Received ESA50 form due back 26th April. As wife, 63 receiving basic state pension and guaranteed pension credit since 2009. I fear that the extreme distress the form is creating for my husband will land him in hospital (something we want to avoid). A welfare adviser apparently with info from pension Credit people has suggested that if we do not complete ESA form, so that IB expires - to inform pension Service that circumstances will change and that extra Guaranteed Pension Credit would cover the loss of benefit. Are there any foreseeable pitfalls - or how else can I verify this info to be valid? I would value your advice on this.
This is really one of the times when I would strongly recommend you getting face-to-face advice from a benefits expert. You need someone who can look at your circumstances and outline the pros and cons of each alternative.
