No pension, no money to speak of

wwesti

I'm a male coming up to 71 years old and a couple of years ago realised that I wasn't getting any pension - turned out I don't have enough contributions by a long way.

I have been selfemployed for most of my life, happily earning a living with no thoughts as to wanting to be rich, so always always charged fair prices.

Over the past few years my work has slowly started to dry up.
My wife left me about 5 years ago.
I can not afford any where to live and am relying on friends at the moment who are letting me stay with them (3 of them) and I try to keep out of their way/lives as much as possible because I am in no position, and wouldn't want to be, a burden to them. I basically only sleep there.


Is there anything I can do to claim money (i don't need much) ? I can't see any way forward, other than living in my car, but without income I wont even be able to afford to keep it.



I'll leave it there and answer any questions anyone may ask.

custardy

wwesti

This is really more a benefits question. I have asked for the post to be moved there.
Have you put your details into here?

https://www.entitledto.co.uk

wwesti

Thank you, and apologies for putting in wrong section.
I will check out the link you provide - thanks again.

NedS

Hi wwesti,


You really need to get some help and support. Your local Citizen's Advice Bureau should probably be your first port of call and they should be able to assist you claim the benefits that you are entitled to.


Take care.

tacpot12

You are very likely to be eligible for Pension Credit. I would also suggest you go to Citizens Advice for help to claim this.

wwesti

Thank you NedS and tacpot12.

calcotti

Unless you have never paid any National Insurance it is unlikely that you have no State Pension entitlement at all. https://www.gov.uk/state-pension


Have you actually spoken to the State Pension Service (0800 731 7898) and been told that you have no entitlement? If you have any entitlement but have not been getting it there will be the option to take a lump sum payment because you have deferred https://www.gov.uk/deferring-state-pension/what-you-get


Pension Credit almost certainly to top up your income https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit


If you get somewhere to live you will be able to get Council Tax Reduction from local authority to help with your Council Tax and Housing Benefit to help with rent.


As others have suggested, get help from an advice agency if you feel unable to navigate this yourself.


If you have

wwesti

Thank you calcotti - I don't feel confident at all, so will visit my CAB.

xylophone

I can not afford any where to live

Is there any housing specifically for older people available through your local council?