had to resign at 64 , what now?

head_above_water

rogerblack wrote: »

An alternative step might be to claim ESA for a short period, with a note from the doctor saying 'stress/high blood pressure' or something - and 'avoid stressful employment'.

This would let you work-seek, with considerably fewer requirements on the form of that work-seeking (so it might even be more effective) for a period - and then if you - after the 13th week or so of this are not able to pass the test - continue work-seeking on JSA.
The fact you resigned would then not be an issue.
In principle, resigning on health grounds is allowed.
In practice, proving that this was why you did may be more difficult.

Sorry what is ESA ?

NYM

head_above_water wrote: »

Sorry what is ESA ?

Employment and Support Allowance

Take the test...http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/start-the-esa-test

loskie

Constructive dismissal as someone said

McKneff

ESA is what us golden oldies used to call sick pay

benniebert

head_above_water wrote: »

I am worried they will suggest becoming bankrupt as I will have no income. we have no savings apart from her redundancy which will tide us over for 3 months mortgage and we have been thinking of selling the house to release some money and rent somewhere.

Going bankrupt will result in the OR wanting 50% of the equity in the house anyhow (assuming it is jointly owned). Nowadays being a bankrupt seems to be a 'badge of honour' if you happen to read the bankruptcy section of this website.
If you do release some of the equity instead have you thought about how you are going to repay the debt? I'm hoping that you aren't considering equity release - that must be one of the worst legalised loan shark part of the finance industry. Your debt doubles every 9/10 years. Borrow £40,000 and in 10 years the debt is £80,000 and after 20 years it is £160,000 - 30 years a whopping £320,000!!!

benniebert

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

You really are talking utter codswallop.

On this thread, you talk about Pension Credit being a soft option and 'double standards' whilst on another thread you support those who are trying to take the council taxpayer for a benefits ride by running a limited company that pays no wages.

The double standards are yours.

Am I? I thought that for those still of working age (under 65) you had the choice of JSA or ESA. For those past working age it is Pension Credit.


Claiming PC instead of ESA or JSA IS the softer option - you don't have to do anything to get it.


As for the other thread, you are in danger of derailing this thread with that comment. I will say however, that having a company to control your income is legal and morally acceptable. I can't really say that the same applies for choosing PC over ESA or JSA - it may well be legal until UC starts and puts an end to it but is it morally right?

benniebert

mardatha wrote: »

My husband went on Pension Credit after his third heart attack caused by stress at work. We found them a joy to deal with on the phone and we had more than enough money to live on.

I had to retire at 60 due to health reasons, yet I continued to claim ESA (going through all of the hoops) until I was 65 and claimed Pension Credit as a top up. Would have been so easy to close the ESA claim down and have everything paid via Pension Credit, but I believed that it wasn't morally acceptable.
Mind you for those 5 years it caused no end of problems for the DWP as their computer system couldn't recognise the Pension Credit award - it had to be paid as Income Support.

poppasmurf_bewdley

benniebert wrote: »

Am I? I thought that for those still of working age (under 65) you had the choice of JSA or ESA. For those past working age it is Pension Credit.


Claiming PC instead of ESA or JSA IS the softer option - you don't have to do anything to get it.


As for the other thread, you are in danger of derailing this thread with that comment. I will say however, that having a company to control your income is legal and morally acceptable. I can't really say that the same applies for choosing PC over ESA or JSA - it may well be legal until UC starts and puts an end to it but is it morally right?

You thought wrong! When I was made redundant at the age of just over 60, I had the choice of JSA or Pension Credit. As PC was double that of JSA, plus my council tax was paid in full, it was a no-brainer. And that choice was written into law so was a perfectly acceptable decision to make - as it still is.

Whether you personally look on it as a moral decision is entirely up to you. If you have to make that decision soon, I look forward to seeing what choice you would make.

EDIT. Just seen your post above so it seems you were happy to take Pension Credit (and the payment of all your council tax). Back to the double standards again?

poppasmurf_bewdley

What is the difference between claiming ESA and Pension Credit, or just claiming Pension Credit?

Financially, I mean.

lld01

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

What is the difference between claiming ESA and Pension Credit, or just claiming Pension Credit?

Financially, I mean.

Financially none as PC will deduct the ESA as income pound-for-pound