What Happened to my husband's State Pension?

atush

Indeed I know 2 women who learned to drive in their 40's and 50's.

missbiggles1

atush wrote: »

Indeed I know 2 women who learned to drive in their 40's and 50's.

I learned to drive at the age of 50, my aunt passed her test after being widowed when she was over 60.

missbiggles1

xylophone wrote: »

The OP is currently 60 so should have a fair idea.

Unless she's a Waspi supporter.;)

Goldiegirl

My mum learned to drive in her mid 50's


I just wondered if the OP had looked at this thread


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5185428


The pensions board is a good place for the financial aspects, but the thread I've linked to might be of use for the emotional support from people who have experienced the loss of a partner

Darkeyes_3

Thank you all for your help and advise.

- Yes I got a forecast recently
- I will have to check my husband's SP payment it probably was around £500
- My husband had a works pension - I receive 50%
- I have a works pension that I pay into
- I tried learning to drive several times, unfortunately I have no sense of direction and lack concentration and not much confidence. Which has got worse in the last 12 months.

Goldiegirl thanks for the link.

xylophone

- I tried learning to drive several times, unfortunately I have no sense of direction and lack concentration and not much confidence.

With regard to a sense of direction, once you have passed the test, you will probably start by driving only routes you know. More ambitious journeys can be attempted later.

When your husband was around to drive you about, you had no real incentive to learn to drive and over the last year you have been coping with loss. Both these factors may have affected your concentration.

But think - you now really want the freedom that being able to drive can bring and during this sad time you have held down a job and coped without the support of a spouse - this should give you confidence.

You could ask around for a recommendation for a driving instructor - colleagues at work may be a good source for this.

You may never be a keen driver but this does not prevent your being a competent one.

Try again?

Darkeyes_3

I did consider it for a while but additional cost of lessons, car, insurance etc and the fact I don't feel comfortable or confident with the idea of driving has stopped me from taking any further action. I will think about it although it may take me a while to finally decide. I do appreciate your advice, thank you.

Darkeyes_3

Goldiegirl thank you for the link, it's very helpful; I started reading it earlier, will have to continue lunch time as I have to start work now.

atush

Darkeyes wrote: »

Thank you all for your help and advise.

- Yes I got a forecast recently
- I will have to check my husband's SP payment it probably was around £500
- My husband had a works pension - I receive 50%
- I have a works pension that I pay into
- I tried learning to drive several times, unfortunately I have no sense of direction and lack concentration and not much confidence. Which has got worse in the last 12 months.

Goldiegirl thanks for the link.

So your husband was getting some sort of salary related state pension, some of which you will inherit. Excellent news that you receive a 50% pension and will have a work pension of your own.

If you really cant face learnign to drive, I would consider moving to a place tht gives you the best public transport options, plus near enough to things to walk to if that differs from yoru current situation.

Also your current home may now be bigger than you need, or require maintenance your husband used to take care of. So a move to a newer lower maintenance/running costs place could also be of benefit.

Good luck.