Going from PPS to Newstart

has anyone else reached the "youngest child turns 8" and got the "Your Parenting Payment has been cancelled letter? Rather alarming to receive, no mention of transfer to newstart or eligibility for, also that my pension card must be destroyed (even tho on ns you are still eligible for if a single parent). I rang CS to query and was told I can't apply for NS until after DD turns 8 or even start arrangements for (but they can make arrangements to cancel before she turns 8!) Not asking to be paid before then, just organise as I know appointments can take weeks and I could miss a payment. They also said one pension card is cancelled and a new one issued. Why all the red tape? I was told previously I would not have to do anything on 8th birthday, transfer automatic. Also had call centre person say "you will have to start looking for work now" DUH :doh:what does she think I have had to be doing to get PPS with youngest child over 6? I've applied for 33 jobs in 8 weeks with not one interview. Its just SO EASY to get a job....:wall::wall:

the system doesn't automatically transfer you to NS from PPS - you have to apply for the payment and go to the appropriate interiews. you can apply for NS ON your DD's birthday (and i suggest you to do so - otherwise there will be a break in payment) - if all the requested information is provided and the interviews completed within two weeks, you will have no gap in payment

you are sent warning that your payment will cancel for ANY payment that is ending due to child age. IF you are working and earning over the income thresholds for NS, then there is no need to apply for NS - if not, you are forewarned. if you didn't receive advance warning and only got the letter four or five days after it cancelled (and you didnt' know to apply on DD's birthday and were left with a gap in payment) you'd be mighty peeved (well, i would be!). forwarned is forearmed and all that jazz...