Pension when renting a council house

Marcon

Scottish79 wrote: »

I have working in retail and big shops , Asda Woolworths etc but have never taken any pension plans or joined any.

You could well be right - but in your shoes I'd do a bit of checking. Until 1988 employers had the right to make membership of their pension scheme a condition of employment, so many people built up pension benefits without knowing they'd done so, especially if a scheme didn't require a contribution from the employee.

ajbell

Yes, it was a condition of employment at my first job back in 1981.

xylophone

He could check his state pension forecast for a COPE.

Asda used to have a DB scheme.

I think the Woolworths Scheme transferred to PPF.

Yes, it was a condition of employment at my first job back in 1981.

I remember a relation of mine who chose not to join his DB scheme being made to join it when it became a requirement to do so.

This was fortunate for his widow.......

Silvertabby

Scottish79 - as xylophone says, when you obtain your State pension forecast check to see if it mentions a 'COPE'.

If it does, then you should have some occupational pension benefits in addition to your State pension.

xylophone

Regarding the estimate of state pension , how does that effect my pension as I’ve worked all my life full time and have over 35 years paying into NI contributions etc

The pension forecast will show your starting amount for new state pension.

It will also show any contracted out periods (if any).

The point is that having no savings and only a state pension (if indeed this turns out to be the case) does not necessarily mean that you are entitled to means tested benefits (which would include housing benefit/council tax reduction).

luvchocolate

I also spent all my working life in retail.
I was traced by my N.I.no for a pension I had in the 70's I had no idea about I was working for Kendall and Sons (rainwear)
I gave no thought to pensions then in my 20's so it came as a pleasant surprise.
I did see sense later and always paid into works pensions.
It may be worth your time checking with past employers.
, and in the meantime get a state pension forecast.