What happens when IB stops but nearing retirement?

TomsMom

This is a bit of forward thinking really so any advice would be welcome.

OH is nearing the end of a course of chemo for what he was told is an incurable condition. He was self-employed but had to sell the business and claims Incapacity Benefit at the moment. He has been told that his condition is considerably improved and that at the end of his treatment he will probably be OK to work. Further tests will tell if he is in remission or whether he will need further treatment at a later date.

We live in a very small, fairly rural, coastal town where most of the jobs are seasonal. Also he is 61 years of age so not exactly in the age bracket where employers rush to take you on. We have a few shops and catering establishments, that's basically it as far as employment is concerned.

As we've never claimed benefit before we don't know what comes next. If he's deemed fit for work and the IB stops, what can he apply for? As I am over 60 I get my state retirement pension. We wont be able to apply for any means tested benefits as we "saved for our retirement" but it's not enough to give us an income to live on.

He would be very willing to work but if there are no available jobs what is expected of you?

I'd be most grateful for any advice or suggestions anyone might have.

TomsMom

Have I put this on the wrong board? Can someone tell me where to put it for any advice? Thanks.

Emmzi

I'm no expert but job seekers allowance sounds right?

www.entitledto.com gives an overview of benefits.

TomsMom

Thanks Emmzi. It all seems very complicated with benefits having new names and for different things. I think I might ask the question over on the silver savers board, someone over there in the same age group may have come across this scenario before.

dmg24

Depending on the level of savings you have, you may qualify for Pension Credits. The threshold is higher than for most means tested benefits. There is some information on them here, but I'm not sure of the detail I'm afraid.

You may have trouble with JSA because your husband is unlikely to qualify for contributions based JSA if he has only been paying self employed NI conts. He would only qualify for income based JSA if your capital is less than £16K, and your income would also have to be below a certain level.

Really pleased that things are looking more positive for you, hopefully you'll be able to take that holiday in the near future x

TomsMom

Thank you so much dmg24, we're hoping for that holiday too but wonder how much the travel insurance will be walloped!

I've just been looking at Pension Credit as someone on the Silver Savers board mentioned it. Looks like we've been too careful with the savings :rolleyes: but we can look into it. Beginning to wonder whether saving for the future is worth it!

I think we'll just hope for a Christmas present of remission for him for now and see what the new year brings.