Can my 70-year-old unemployed brother claim any benefits?

little_sister_3

I have no experience of the benefits system and don't understand who is entitled to what, so am hoping for your help. My brother, 70, lost his job just before the age discrimination legislation came into force this year. He has been looking for other work (been told by Jobcentre they can't help although he can use their facilities). He has his state pension and a pension from a job he was made redundant from 15 years or so ago. He has a couple of thousand pounds in savings.

He lives in a rented one-bed flat in central London (he has been there for 20 years or so and there is an element of rent protection) and says his old work pension just covers the rent. His state pension has to cover everything else. He refuses to contact Citizen's Advice (because of pride, I think).

Is he entitled to help? It breaks my heart to see him so desperate at his age. I know you all would expect me to have definite figures. I'm quite a bit younger than him - his little sister - and it is hard to ask him for all these personal details unless I am pretty certain he can claim.

So I am sorry to be vague but would appreciate any advice based on general principle. I have filled in the benefits calculator based on estimates and think he might be entitled to at least £50 a week housing benefit.

I live some way away but would be able to come up to London to accompany him to see a Citizen's Advive adviser or similar if people think it might be worthwhile.

Thanks for any help

somethingcorporate

I certainly think it would be worthwhile going to see the CAB.

jamespir

if his got savings and two pensions he does not need the benefit

Torry_Quine

He definately should see someone such as CAB, he may for instance be entitled to pension credit.

RAS

HAve you tried https://www.turn2us.org.uk?

fluffymovie

He should contact the Pension Service on 0800 991234 or visit direct.gov.

He could also claim for help with the rent and council tax from his local council.

cte1111

My Gran has a state pension plus a small occupational pension (widow's pension from my Grandad's job). She was entitled to pension credit, so your brother may well be too.

See here for more details:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/PensionCredit/DG_10018692

The Guarantee Credit works by topping up your weekly income to:
£137.35 if you are single

I'd say it's worth him applying, the worst they can do is say no!

sleepless_saver

It's possible he may be entitled to pension credit - depends on his income. He can claim for this over the phone, 0800 99 1234. It's very straightforward. He needs his National Insurance number; information about savings, income and any investments; details of the account into which he would like any Pension Credit payments to be paid.

And they should check his entitlement to housing benefit/council tax benefit at the same time.

NB: If he does start to get benefits but then gets a job, he does need to let the DWP and local authority know right away.

sleepless_saver

jamespir wrote: »

if his got savings and two pensions he does not need the benefit

How exactly can you tell this without knowing what his income and housing costs are?

Louise03

jamespir wrote: »

if his got savings and two pensions he does not need the benefit

How do silly comments like this help?

His pensions may be small, which the OP says he is using to pay his rent. He only has a small amount of savings. The man has WORKED until he was almost 70 for godssake.

Hammyman

Indeed. My grandad got a British Rail pension which my gran now gets. Its in the order of a few quid a week and just about covers the Ringtons Tea bill...