63 and Desperate

tightasagnats

Have you tried contacting MacMillan cancer support? They specialise in helping families of cancer patients with these kinds of issues.


[URL="tel:08088080000"]0808 808 00 00[/URL]
7 days a week, 8am - 8pm


https://www.macmillan.org.uk/


With good wishes

tacpot12

I too am very sorry to hear of your and your wife's situation.

In terms of practical help, you don't say how much equity you have left, but you might be able to purchase a property in the UK. You can still buy one and two bedroom flats near us for £50,000. It's not as exotic as Bulgaria, but you wouldn't have to do as much adjusting and you would be closer to your children. If you can buy a two bedroom flat, you might find another older person who might want to rent a room off you, and the company would be good for the both of you while providing some additional income.

Do check all your wife's previous employers for unclaimed pension entitlement. If she has an NHS pension, you should be entitled to a spouses pension of some sort.

I think you are right to want to remain in Hastings for a period, while you all come to terms with Kathy's passing, but doing so for a long period is going to deplete your limited financial resources. I assume you are paying your rent in advance, so you would be able to stay at home a month after the PIPs stop. I think you will need longer than this to find somewhere to move to, so I would suggest you plan on spending some of your equity on remaining at home for one further month, and them move in with your children for the time it takes to find and purchase a property.

I hope you get sorted and that you can cope with the loss of your wife better as a result of having had some time to prepare.

luvchocolate

I am so sorry to hear you and your wife are going through this difficult time and having the worry of finances also.
I am no expert but are there any housing associations in your area? the rents are cheaper and secure. I live in a courtyard of 12 flats for the over 55's.

MortgageMamma

So very sorry to hear of your situation, but it would be helpful if you could give us some figures

How much is your property worth?

What is the total of loans and mortgages secured on it?

Do you have any other debts?

What is your income?

How long do you expect to be able to continue working? Do you think a mortgage is a sensible option given your arthritis?

As others have said, do you or your wife have any policies that will pay out in the future?

My instincts are that you would be better in social housing/supported accomodation for the over 55s especially given you have a health condition that will deteriorate. And it would help ease the loneliness after you lose your wife. My father who is 72 moved into supported accommodation when we lost our Mum in 2013 and he's very happy and is surrounded by good friends that he's made there.

However if you really wanted to buy, I'd recommend you get some professional help. There are plenty of brokers on here that would be happy to explore options with you and see if anything can be done regarding buying something else. And I would expect given your circumstances most would waive or reduce their fees.

With this being an open forum you can't put too much detail on as you need to protect your data, but if any of us can help pick someone with a "mortgage adviser" signature and have a conversation. I know its difficult given the emotional pain of your predicament, but you need to have a plan.

Well done for posting on here for help, you've come to a good place to get it. You can also go to citizens advice and they can help too.

csgohan4

get a DS1500 form signed from your GP as your wife unfortunately has a terminal prognosis for extra financial benefit from the government,also have a chat to the Citizens advice bureau regarding money as well.

Does your wife have life insurance/income protection? NHS has death in service benefits and sick benefits

Rich2808

OP - sorry to hear about your situation.

As has been stated if your wife was a registered nurse presumably she may have been a member of the NHS pension scheme. Check the links below and approach the NHS pension scheme - your wife may be eligible to claim a lump sum for example if she is likely to die within the next year and you should certainly be eligible for an ongoing pension and a lump sum death benefit for a deferred member linked to her final salary and years of service. Call them on 0300 330 1346 or Email: nhsbsa.pensionsmember@nhsbsa.nhs.uk. Any death benefits could help pay towards a property - and they will be tax free.

Also are you eligible for council tax benefit - based on your low income - or depending on your local council scheme up to 25% off in second adult rebate. Indeed make sure you claim all the benefits you are entitled to.

Best wishes

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/employee-section/understanding-my-statement/benefits-payable-death

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2018-05/Survivors%20Guide%20%28V8%29%2005.2018.pdf

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/employee-section/understanding-my-statement/benefits-payable-death

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/help-with-your-council-tax-council-tax-reduction/council-tax-reduction-and-second-adult-rebate/

Julian1955

Thank you everyone for your excellent advise. I will investigate social housing and try to get my name on the housing register

MortgageMamma

Julian1955 wrote: »

Thank you everyone for your excellent advise. I will investigate social housing and try to get my name on the housing register

Good luck. come back here if you need further help