is there help out there for my mum?

[baggysenior]

hi people, i'm rather worried about my mum. She turned 60 in Nov 10 and works over 40hrs a week. After a long battle with the council we've just got her a council flat (her 1st independent home since my parents divorce nearly 10yrs ago!)
Her health has deteriorated, and recently she has found herself off work sick for several weeks (she's almost never off sick)
She is due to return to work on Mon because she can't cope financially without working.
The poor woman is totally run into the ground and has about £20 to spend on herself after her rent and bills.She has no savings nor pension. Because she works full time she's unlikely to get help financially.
My query is, if she reduces her hours is she more likely to get a little help? I'm frightened for her and i'm in no position to help her with money either.
What are pension credits?

We've tried citizens advice and they weren't much help, so any advice would be greatly received. Thankyou.

[welshlibranr]

because of her age, she probably could claim pension credits, but sadly, the waiting time for this to be processed is about 6 months I think, it can be back dated, however, she will not be able to claim benefits in the meantime, so I don't think that this would help her!..........maybe she should try to survive on sick pay at present, and try to claim other benefits, try ringing the DWP helpline for advice!...........

[welshlibranr]

just realised that your mum should qualify for retirement pension in about June this year, if she can cope till then, things may get easier for her, you should really phone the DWP helpline for advice for her!.............

[dotty.]

she can claim working tax credit on 30 hours a week:
http://www.turn2us.en...DetectCookieSupport=1

[ubasses]

I don't think your Mum will get her goverment pension until July this year on the new scale. When she does the pension credit may apply if her income is under £132 pw. It could be more if she has certain housing costs. She could also be eligible for housing benefit as well. Certainly worth starting enquiries

[Buenchico]

The state pension age (for women) is gradually being changed from 60 to 65 (and then, with men, to 66 - with forward plans for 68).

So your mother isn't quite eligible for her state pension (and pension credits) yet. If she was born on 1st November 1950, she'll reach the qualifying age on 6th May this year. If she was born on the 30th November, she'll reach the qualifying age on 6th July. (For the exact date when she'll qualify, based upon her date of birth, use the calculator here: http://pensions-servi...e-calculator/home.asp )

For information about the state pension, see here:
http://www.direct.gov...tatePension/index.htm

Once your mother becomes eligible for her state pension, she'll also be eligible for pension credits. That will ensure that her total weekly income can't fall below £132.60
http://www.direct.gov...ow_income/dg_10018692

Anyone who is on a low income may be eligible for Council Tax benefit. See here:
http://www.direct.gov...ow_income/DG_10018923

Also check your mother's eligibility for Housing Benefit:
00:25 Fri 11th Mar 2011

[Buenchico]

Oops!

The last link was cut off:
http://www.direct.gov...ow_income/DG_10018926

Chris

[wolf63]

The CAB really are your best bet in explaining all of this. You have been given some good advise here but much depends on whether your mother is entitled to a pension in her own right. If so she may be able to receive that and work a more reasonable amount of hours.

[Yorky Lass]

When your mum is nearing the time she will receive her state pension she should apply for a national Insurance exemption certificate. She doesn't have to pay national insurance after she receives her pension. It will save her some money.
Is she claiming the 25% council tax reduction for single person occupancy?

[baggysenior]

hi, i'm ever so sorry for my late response. Everyone's advice has been greatly received, thankyou. I'm going to start investigating a bit more indepth for her. Yes, she has applied for single persons occupancy, but our council have even mucked that up! It seems that the genuine hard workers in this country have nothing but hard battles ahead of them, whilst the lazy, idle...... well, that's another story. thankyou people x