NHS Pension "OPTION" at 65yrs

Hi when I reach 65yrs (54 now) will the DWP reduce my benefits even if I choose NOT to draw it at that age?

The pension amount I receive would not be huge, (started it 1992 to 2013) my ex wife also claims half of it as part of the divorce. A small lump sum pension would be eroded away to pay my mortgage, eventually I would be unable to survive without the SMI that would be stopped due to the pension. I would eventually be homeless and not entitled to housing benefit. Having spent my small pension just surviving. If I could I would prefer not to touch it as it appears I would be "much" worse off due to reduced health benefits (ESA and SMI).

I am going to see a IFA but would appreciate any forum comments.

Gordon wrote: Neal

We cannot give detailed financial advice on the forum.

It will depend on the terms and conditions of the pension as to when it can be taken.

You should ask about pensions being taken after the person reaches Pension Credit age, this is the age that a woman would reach State Retirement Age and for a man the age that a woman born on the same day would reach SRA.

As a general rule If a pension can be taken then I would expect the DWP to treat it as in payment, however, it will depend on the benefits that you are receiving at the time as to whether there will be an impact and how much.

Gordon

Thank you Gordon, sorry if it appears I am asking for "detailed" advice rather than comments as per a Internet Forum. I am here to gain information and opinion and accept its at my own risk. This Forum has been very useful

I was told by the DWP yesterday: If a pension is available at 55yrs, it would be treated as taken and I would lose most of my benefits (and lose my home as a result!) I was absolutely terrified and asked to speak to a decision maker. Thankfully the original advice was wrong and they treat 65yrs as the proper time to gain a pension Phew!

I am also annoyed at the DWP for a lack of information as to if its deemed reasonable to pay off mortgage arrears and perhaps some of my mortgage in order to survive without a negative impact on my benefits. They said it will "depend on the decision maker at the time"..... that isn't good enough!

I will contact the pensionwise service for help. And a IFA after that.

Its probably not worth the risk of withdrawing a small pension early as I could end up homeless without housing benefit or SMI despite working most of my life.