Transfer to ESA

[g0snd]

Hi,
Just wondered, I am a 60 year old man on IB, have been on IB for 27 years and am also registered blind. I think I have the answer to this but would like some confermation. I dont want to be transfered to ESA, at present as well as being on IB Pension Credit top my money up to the applicable amount that the law says a 60 year old needs to live on. What I want to do is to go onto full Pension Credit instead of IB, so am I right in thinking that when thay contact me to transfer me to ESA, I can say no, and claim my full amount from Pension Credit instead.
Brian

[enaid]

Re: Transfer to ESA

Hailed by the government as a positive change designed to move one million people off incapacity benefit into paid work, employment and support allowance (ESA) is a new benefit starting on 27 October 2008.

The changes affect anyone making a new claim for benefit because of limited capability for work caused by ill-health or disability on or after this date.
People already receiving incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance or income support (IB/SDA/IS) because of "incapacity for work" on 27 October won't have to claim ESA, but the government intends to move everyone on IB/SDA/IS over to ESA in the future. When this will be isn't clear, and experience shows that such changes may not happen until years later.

From what I can gather reading about this, it isn't working out too well, many are being classed fit for work that shouldn't be being one of the main concerns. I wouldn't be worrying about this if I were you, well not at present anyway. If you are contacted to make the change then your local DWP should help you get all you are entitled too and make sure you do not lose out.
Enaid x