pension credit query

[peterth125]

Hope some one can help with my query.I have been receiving £26.01 per week Guaranteed Pension Credit since Dec 2011.In April 2012 I received a very small increase to my private pension (3.40 per week increase )so doing everything by the book I informed PC of my change in circumstance expecting my weekly payments to go down by £3.40 per week but OH NO that would be too easy instead they have stopped all payments including my help with mortgage payment.I have had no payments since June 6th 2012 and everytime I ring to enquire what is happening I am told it is being looked at.Has anyone else had this problem when informing them of a change in circumstance ?
Thank you

[gbhxu]

It could be that the extra £3.40 a week took you over what the law said you needed to live on.

[Lighttouch]

If you have a personal or work related pension they’ll work out how much it goes up each year- there wasn't any need to tell them.

[Carneucopia]

If you have a personal or work related pension they’ll work out how much it goes up each year- there wasn't any need to tell them.

I'm afraid they dont - and can't - do that. Some Occupational Pensions are frozen, some don't increase in line with the RPI as State Pensions do. Even when working out HB and CTB the Local Authorities don't take into account the annual State Pension increases automatically, despite the percentage increase for each April being set 5 months before.

[Lighttouch]

Sorry wrong wording. They 'estimate' an increase on non-state pensions. They recalculate your Pension Credit entitlement using the increased non-state pension amounts. But you don't need to tell them otherwise you trigger a whole blown investigation and waste their time and cause you worry.

[peterth125]

Thank you for your replies.The £26.01 PC takes me up to the amount the govt say I need to live on so a private pension increase of £3.40 would definately not take me over the limit.Next year when I get my pension increase I shall not be informing the pension dept but will just let them estimate it as suggested.I have been back on to them today but still getting no where.Have been promised a call back but will not be holding my breath.
Thanks again
Peter

[trevor51]

Thank you for your replies.The £26.01 PC takes me up to the amount the govt say I need to live on so a private pension increase of £3.40 would definately not take me over the limit.Next year when I get my pension increase I shall not be informing the pension dept but will just let them estimate it as suggested.I have been back on to them today but still getting no where.Have been promised a call back but will not be holding my breath.
Thanks again
Peter

Hi i always tell them about my increases they then stop my pc for about 2 weeks then when they have it sorted they back pay me i think it is wise to let them know every time you get a rise .

[Carneucopia]

I agree with trevor51 - every claimant has a legal obligation to inform of changes. It might well cause a bit of delay wile benefits are recalculated, but the alternative is to risk an overpayment or worse.