But how do I sign off?
I've been on the "traditional" benefit of ESA for over a decade, so everything was done offline (and still is), so I don't actually have any online presence with the DWP, i.e. no login to fill out an online form. So when it comes to signing off, I don't actually know how to do it?
To explain, a close relative has just died, and I will be about to receive a inheritance that's over the £16,000 (I believe that's what it is?) threshold for claiming ESA. So, I need to sign off.
I do also get PIP, and I would like to keep that, as it's not means tested, of course.
So, can I do it over the phone? Will I have to go into a JobCentre branch? Will I have to fill out a specific form? Can I do it online if up until now I've never used DWP online? (although, I think I'd prefer to do it over the phone or in branch, as I fear an online request might go astray, or would I get a email confirmation?) Do I have to tell them why? (sorry for all the questions) I'm assume they'd be pretty pleased to get me off their books, so I'm assuming I wouldn't need to provide any proofs for the reason.
I assume I'll also need to provide proof(s) of identity in some way, else people would be trying to maliciously sign each other off all the time.
Also, can I ask, what will I lose when I sign off?
I think my list is likely to be:
Loss of pension stamps
Loss of free prescriptions
Loss of free NHS dentistry
So on the issue of pension stamps, I think I can pay something to keep these going, and it's probably a good idea?
Also, perhaps this is straying off topic too much, but I've also go no idea how to declare myself to the tax man if I'm living off savings. I am in my 50s. Can I declare myself retired? Would that have advantages?
Sorry if I've gone a bit hard on the question count, but thanks for any replies.
P.S. This feels very weird. I've spent over a decade fighting to keep my ESA.
P.P.S.
Oh, I forgot. I'll be wanting to change my address at the same time, as I'll start burning through money pretty quickly if I have to pay the rent at where I'm presently at. Could it cause any issues if I changed my address at the same time? Would it be better to do the two things separately?