it took a while to find out glos guy but its reduced because of my time in the army, i was classed as contracted out for that time, not that anyone told us that but then again my army pension whilst not great does more than make up the difference lol. although my brother in law who did similar number of years in the police gets almost twice the pension i do.
regarding our freinds hmrc yes they will take a cut as i have my army pension a small inherited pension from my late wifes work then fortunately the war pension like pip isnt taxable. but it will be a pain having 2 4 weekly payments and they will be about a week apart i think if my calculations are correct.
the redundancy came just at the wrong time it means ive got to claim on 1st sept but am then 66 on the 24th so not entitled from that date. and i dont think i qualify for anything else due to my pensions etc although i dont think wpms is counted towards uc or other benefits. but i will see nearer the time and get some advice on whats out there as i cant see anyone wanting a disabled 66 year old.