Single pensioners

Oldernotwiser

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

After living on approximately £8.5k for five years, on my husband's Teachers' Pension plus a small amount of other income, we feel positively rich now I have started getting my State Pension of just over £100 a week.

However, if I were single, this would be made up to £130 a week by Pension Credit, plus my Council Tax paid. This is £6750 a year so less than we as a couple have been living on.

Don't forget your share of your husband's occupational pension; this would push it up quite a bit.

seven-day-weekend

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Don't forget your share of your husband's occupational pension; this would push it up quite a bit.

I didn't actually mean my own circumstances when I said 'if i was single'. I meant someone who had not been married and this was their only income. I didn't actually make this very clear though.

But yes, in my own circumstances, if I was widowed I would have half his Teachers' Pension as well as my State Pension. I also have a small Local Government Pension of my own which I am not claiming yet.

Oldernotwiser

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

But yes, in my own circumstances, if I was widowed I would have half his Teachers' Pension as well as my State Pension. I also have a small Local Government Pension of my own which I am not claiming yet.

Not necessarily half. Service before 1972 doesn't count for dependants' pensions unless you opted into it on marriage. Came as a bit of a shock when I found that out - looks like I'll only get a third!:eek:

seven-day-weekend

He didn't go into teaching until September 1982 when he was 33 (a late starter!). I should get 50% of his pension if he goes before me. He will get 50% of my small LG Pension if I go first.

Having said that, I would much rather neither of us were widowed.:(

Farway

scotsbob wrote: »

No, quite the opposite.
Holidays are cheaper .

Ahh, have you forgotten the dreaded Single Supplements? I have lost count of the number of holidays / breaks I have ignored due to Single Supplement surcharges, some I can live with, maybe a tenner or so, others are just a rip off IMO

Oldernotwiser

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

He didn't go into teaching until September 1982 when he was 33 (a late starter!). I should get 50% of his pension if he goes before me. He will get 50% of my small LG Pension if I go first.

Having said that, I would much rather neither of us were widowed.:(

Mine started teaching in 1963 - the year I started grammar school!

cake21

Errata wrote: »

There's a thread somewhere about living on £4000 a year (don't think that includes rent or mortgage), but I can't remember which Board it 's posted on.

Here it is, doesn't have to be £4k anymore, all welcome. I'm using the challenge to try and get used to living on a reduced income when I'm a single pensioner

margaretclare

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Don't forget your share of your husband's occupational pension; this would push it up quite a bit.

DH has no occupational pension and his annuity dies with him (which was a bone of contention during his last divorce!!!) However, I would inherit 100% OF his SERPS which at present is approx £4850 a year. He could inherit 100% of mine which is much less because of being contracted-out.

However, I'd rather not be widowed a second time!!

Errata

Farway wrote: »

Ahh, have you forgotten the dreaded Single Supplements? I have lost count of the number of holidays / breaks I have ignored due to Single Supplement surcharges, some I can live with, maybe a tenner or so, others are just a rip off IMO

Single supplement ? Anyone who tries to find self catering accommodationfor one in the UK is in for a surprise :eek:

seven-day-weekend

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Mine started teaching in 1963 - the year I started grammar school!

Did he teach you??

Just realised my husband started in '83, not '82. We had been married twelve years and our son was three years old when my husband went into teaching. He started doing his degree in 1979 and our son was born in January 1980. :eek: He did his PGCE 1982-83 and started teaching in the September of 1983.