State pension question

margaretclare

Well, I don't know. I'm not an expert, just a (fairly) well-informed amateur in these things. I would have thought that the rental income does not classify as 'earnings', but I could be wrong. Hopefully one of the professionals who inhabit these boards will come along.

You could always apply and see what happens! I am a great believer in 'if you don't ask, you don't get'.

Personally I do NOT think you've 'shot yourselves in the foot'. I've found from long experience that free enterprise wins every time over reliance on benefits.

exil

You may qualify for pensions credit if your income is low enough. Savings affect this as well. Wife can only claim pension in her own right at age 65.

margaretclare

exil wrote: »

You may qualify for pensions credit if your income is low enough. Savings affect this as well. Wife can only claim pension in her own right at age 65.

This is not what the OP was asking. He knows she can't claim her own pension yet, she's 22 years younger than him (he's 76).

Pension credit is means-tested and therefore I think the rental income WOULD be taken into account. However, for carers' allowance it might be different. It's really investment income, isn't it, and not earnings as such? Might be better to think of it in those terms - investment income. It puts a different complexion on the questions you were originally asking.

beany

Thought I would let you know the outcome, as it might help some-one.
I phoned the Benefits Helpline 0800 882200
I was told income from rental property is a form of self employment so the £100 per week income applies even if it is rent, although if you have a mortgage on the property this is offset
(explained as, if rent is £100 per week but mortgage is £60 then income is £40)

margaretclare

Thanks for this, Beany. It does clarify the situation.