Contribution JSA asking for pension details

[Thebearsbunny]

My DP has been made redundant due to COVID. Today he applied for Contribution based JSA. We have savings over the threshold so would be unable to claim any other benefits. Whilst completing the online form my DP was asked how much he has in his private pension and if he was able to withdraw money, to which he answered yes as he is in his late fifties. I also have a reasonable pension pot that I am able to draw on. I am currently employed, but my job isn’t secure and I earn a low wage. Could someone with knowledge of the benefits system confirm this means we would be made to drawdown our pensions if my DP hasn’t found employment by the time our savings are depleted? Obviously we are keen to stand on our own two feet, but this is worrying us somewhat.

They’re likely asking about the pension because although new style JSA isn’t means tested, pension income over a certain amount (£50pw) does reduce the amount of JSA you receive. The capital in the pot is disregarded; he won’t be asked to take an income from the pension, although when you get to state pension age, if you have a pot you haven’t accessed the DWP can deem you have income from it (for means tested benefits)

New style JSA can only be claimed for 6 months so will come to a natural end in any case.

Thank you Ewol.