It's just struck me that, being nearly 5 years since the introduction of SPC, that the first 5 yr Assessed Income Periods will be waning.

Can we expect a glut of appeals from distraught pensioners toward the end of this year?

Possibly a glut of disgruntled pensioners, but not that many with appealable cases - some of the ones we see have had awards of AA etc in the intervening period and saved it every penny of it, (bless em) with the result that their capital have grown somewhat possibly taking them out of G/Credit into savings credit....

That is very close to what happened to the chap that inspired this post. However as he's expecting it now there won't be an appeal.

I just wish he'd go on holiday... He'd suit a tan and could do with the break.

For those of us working with Minimum Income Guarantee when PC was introduced October 2003, all those originally on MIG were transferred to PC but given staggered awards between 5 and 7 years, similarly new claims were given a staggered award with a minimum of 5 years and maximum for one of my clients 8 years. As a result there should not be a large renewal of PC in October 2008 but a regular influx of renewal cases.

82 yo client is due to inherit fairly large sum and intends to give sums to her children. Does anyone know how this will be treated at the end of her AIP in 2010 ? I'm not too sure about deprivation on this one but feel it shouldn't be considered.

Pension Credit: ‘rapid review’ when assessed income period ends

Pension Credit was introduced in October 2003. For many people receiving Pension Credit their assessed income period (AIP) will be coming to an end. Regulations coming into force on 25 August change the rules requiring all claimants to provide information and evidence to determine whether to set a new AIP. A system of 'rapid review' is being introduced so that people whose circumstances are unlikely to have changed and who fit certain criteria will be notified that a new AIP has been set. Details of information held by the DWP will be sent and they will be asked to notify any corrections or changes in circumstances since their last AIP was set. DWP memo DMG 23/08 provides guidance on this. This can be found at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/dwp/dmg/ (click on What’s New tab).

The Pension, Disability and Carers Service are interested in any feedback from Age Concern and other organisations about the process so they can identify any concerns. This will also help them implement the 'AIP run-on' process next year when, subject to the Pensions Bill being agreed, people over 80 with a non-restricted AIP will no longer have their case reviewed periodically - although the AIP may still end in certain circumstances.

Thanks Seal. Sorry for the delay but I've been out of the office