My Dad is bankrupt, they wanna take some of his pension! Is this OK?

Saving_with_the_secret

Hey folks I wonder if anyone can help me,

My father has had a bad few years regards to money and his situation. (debts from a relationship where the woman concerned cleverly persuaded him to put his name on loans, yet had a joint account, which emptied pretty fast when they split).
He was forced to become bankrupt at 60, and although also retired he has no private pension, doesn't own anything really. He had an old car (which they took last Friday and by the way were 6hours late to do so) - which I couldn't believe as he really needed it to take his mum to hospital. He lives miles away from our family. He lives in a small room in a house, with what sounds like quite a few other men in a similar situation. He has no internet, shares a kitchen and is recovering from depression, which has landed him in hospital several times.
I simply don't understand that they could also take some of his pension - is this the case? Is there any way they won't? What can I suggest he should do? I don't feel like those people who are helping him are doing the job well, he seems to have lost a hell of a lot, I mean why take practically nothing from a man who has nothing?

From what I gather the pension is the absolute basic amount. Yes he has a free bus pass but this situation is soul destroying. I want to give him a hand.
He has 6 grand children which in this situation he will be less likely to see.

What can I do? What advice can I give?

Thanks xxx

dalip

Ok He(or should i say you) can do a couple of things.

You could post his Income and Expenditure sheet that he submitted to the OR and we can then check to make sure he claimed for all the allowances and amounts he is entitled to. If not then he can request another form to resubmit.

The other thing he could do is go to his local cab and see if they can check things an help in any way.

It does sound harsh and i fear he may not have claimed all the stuff he should have.Dx

Oldernotwiser

If he's on Pension Credit he'll get £130 per week and his rent/council tax paid. I agree that he may not have claimed for all that he could've.

Lost2

That seems a bit OTT for an old age pensioner
as other post have said he probably hasn't filled he's forms correctly

Oldernotwiser

Lost2 wrote: »

That seems a bit OTT for an old age pensioner
as other post have said he probably hasn't filled he's forms correctly

Someone on pension credit with LHA/CTC paid could be getting more money than someone earning £23,000 - even more in parts of the southeast.

Lost2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Someone on pension credit with LHA/CTC paid could be getting more money than someone earning £23,000 - even more in parts of the southeast.

I didn't know that Oldernotwiser, see your never to old to learn

Bankruptcy09

If the pension is Welfare Reform and Pension Act 1999 APPROVED then they can not take the whole pension, however if it is not, then there is the potential to take the lot. However normally if any person is claiming any form of benefits, then the OR normally would not take any funds. However, this is policy and not Law.

I would request that the OR sends you a Income Payments Questionnaire. Its important to list things down on a separate piece of paper. Its amazing how much you forget to include. e.g. bus to the shops twice a week £2.00 per fare, £16.00 per month. This will be accepted. The above is an example. Most people forget the following expenses; Newspapers, Milk Man, Bank Account charges, TV Licence, any HP Agreements e.g. TV Rentals, Going to the shops for a Bread/Milk £6-10 week.
I realise it may seem daft adding small amounts but it does all count in!

debt_doctor

If he is in receipt of any amount of pension guarentee credit then they should not take anything other than a VOLUNTARY contribution - dont volunteer !

DD

Sergio_Baptista

i dont think that they have a right to take his pension away from him even if he has gone bankrupt..that is something that has been saved for a person when he stops earning..

Holes_in_my_pocket

Something not right here . Ask to speak to OR you may of been dealt with by a incompetent assistant.