Hello there. Since June 2007 I have been receiving a tiny State Pension topped up to the Guaranteed Pension Credit for a couple (since I'm married.). My husband is not of retirement age, but is now sick at home on Invalidity Benefit.

However, when he was awarded IB, he was told that he could have no actual money since I am already receiving full benefits, so we have tried to cope just on my pension. Okay so far...

Suddenly last month I was sent a letter saying my credit was being drastically reduced and John would have to top it up by claiming his IB for himself. I phoned the DWP to be told by a dismissive and rude man that the "rules have changed" and now I can't claim as a couple since my husband is not over 60.

We are left struggling because now I receive about £80 a week Pension Credit, and John's IB is only paid fortnightly.

I have a feeling that this plan is designed to work towards removing John's IB altogether and forcing him out to work, despite his Doctor's assessment, thus leaving us under stress and fear that at any time his meagre wage might again be cut off, plunging us into debt once more. (And in any case, everything he earns will be deducted from my Pension Credit!)

But - whatever the facts - is it really true that the rules have changed and I can no longer claim as a couple?

When you say Invalidity Benefit do you actually mean Incapacity Benefit?

Have a look at this:http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10016082

As you can see, this is for people who can't work but are under retirement age. 

It looks as if state pension and incapacity benefit are both claimed as an individual, but pension credit, being means-tested, is claimed as a couple.  Confusing, or what!

It might be a good idea for you to go along to CAB and ask them to run a benefits check for you.

HTH

Margaret