Quit my Job Voluntarily due to wife's health

atmospheric77

I'm 63 years old, 20 months from retirement and a full state pension. I work 24hrs per week and also collect £8300 net pa from a private pension.

6 Months ago my wife was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer, is now recovering nicely and soon to undergo major reconstructive surgery which will lay her up for about 3 months. We are also registered Foster Carers for our Local Authority currently looking after two young children in a long term placement. Income from Fostering is deemed to be Zero for benefits purposes. My wife isn't ill enough for me to claim Carers Allowance!

I want to voluntarily quit my job to help both my wife and the children, especially post op.

Realistically, at my age, I don't want to try to claim Job Seekers Allowance because I wouldn't honestly be looking for another job. In order to maintain our standard of living we would need to at least in part, replace my small wage.

Any ideas what I can claim or where I should start?

Thx in advance

Laurensalive

I would call the Department of Work and Pensions to see what help you are entitled too. What about a PIP claim. Cancer surely you wife would get something.

missapril75

If you're already 63 then Pension Credit if your private pension will be the only income.

[Deleted User]

does your wife have any income? to be blunt with £160 pension plus income from fostering(well done btw)the only thing i can think of is as above PIP for wife

rogerblack

Laurensalive wrote: »

I would call the Department of Work and Pensions to see what help you are entitled too. What about a PIP claim. Cancer surely you wife would get something.

'Recovering nicely'.
Unless she is severely affected by her condition, and will be so for the next 9 months, or is terminally ill - she would not be entitled to PIP.
If she was working significantly in 12/13 and 13/14, then ESA may be an option.
If she was not working, she would only be entitled to income-related, which would be eliminated by your pension, even if you stop work, as I understand it.

jayII

Can you claim income support (and possibly other income-related benefits) as a foster carer?

Look here https://www.fostering.net/all-about-fostering/foster-carers/finances/benefits#.VaL7w_lrsmM

Also speak to your fostering social worker, they should be able to advise you if you can claim anything.

missbiggles1

What about trying to take a leave of absence for 3 months until your wife's on her feet?

Having had reconstructive surgery myself, she may well find that she's operating pretty normally after a month, even if she gets a bit tired for a few weeks' more.

missapril75

So nobody agrees Pension Credit then?

2. What you'll get


Single people Top up to £151.20
Couples Top up to £230.85

According to entitled to, the OP is eligible as he's already 63

Foster allowances don't come into it.

xylophone

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN-GB/Factsheets/FS48_Pension_Credit_fcs.pdf?dtrk=true

Full explanation of Pension Credit above.

pmlindyloo

missapril75 wrote: »

So nobody agrees Pension Credit then?

According to entitled to, the OP is eligible as he's already 63

Foster allowances don't come into it.

I agree

Pension Credit is the way to go.

missapril75

pmlindyloo wrote: »

I agree

Pension Credit is the way to go.

Phew! I was beginning to worry.