What Benefits Should I Claim if too Ill to Work?

WhenIam64

There is no irony just an unwillingness to do anything about saving / planning

You were informed of this back in 2017 so why do you think it is a surprise?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5597276/state-pension-with-insufficient-years-n-i-self-employed-advice-please#9

Are you just trolling?

borkid

Maharishi wrote: »

Isn't it ironic that one is penalised because someone close to them has been sensible during their life and made provision for their future. Seems wrong that she should have to shoulder my burden.

That's the system unfortunately.



I'd add though that if my OH was in the same position as you I'd support him without a second thought. He's done that for me at times and I've helped him out with money at others.

calcotti

Maharishi wrote: »

Seems that backdating is limited to 4 years ...

Normally 6 years but can be longer in certain circumstances https://www.gov.uk/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions/deadlines

calcotti

Maharishi wrote: »

Isn't it ironic that one is penalised because someone close to them has been sensible during their life and made provision for their future. Seems wrong that she should have to shoulder my burden.

It’s not ironic at all. There is an expectation that couples will support each other ‘in sickness and in health’ etc.

calcotti

WhenIam64 wrote: »

There is no irony just an unwillingness to do anything about saving / planning

You were informed of this back in 2017 so why do you think it is a surprise?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5597276/state-pension-with-insufficient-years-n-i-self-employed-advice-please#9

Are you just trolling?

Thanks, WhenIam64. OP appears to have had all of this advice before!

parkrunner

Maharishi wrote: »

Isn't it ironic that one is penalised because someone close to them has been sensible during their life and made provision for their future. Seems wrong that she should have to shoulder my burden.

Not at all, you are a partnership, for better for worse.

Maharishi

WhenIam64 wrote: »

There is no irony just an unwillingness to do anything about saving / planning

You were informed of this back in 2017 so why do you think it is a surprise?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5597276/state-pension-with-insufficient-years-n-i-self-employed-advice-please#9

Are you just trolling?

I wasn't sick then and to be fair to you I had completely forgotten about that thread. I have trouble remembering what I went into a roam for let alone conversations I had 2 years since.

This thread got derailed when I was asked about State Pension - it wasn't what I started out asking about, It was solely how to bridge the gap between now and then.

Maybe I should have done a search for previous threads/posts before starting out. Anyway, there has been a lot of good suggestions and advice put here and from now on I will be more diligent to avoid unnecessary duplication.

Apologies for the error(s).

Edit - I had always assumed that I would work until I died and so lack of SP wouldn't necessarily be an issue and, for reasons that I won't bore you with, I was not expecting to live past 60 anyway.

Fortunately - or unfortunately - I have and the health issues have complicated things somewhat.

Maharishi

calcotti wrote: »

Normally 6 years but can be longer in certain circumstances https://www.gov.uk/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions/deadlines

Seems my 4 years is incorrect. 6 is definitely it though as I was born in 1956. What, in real terms, does one year's contributions yield? I reckon that it is roughly between £4.80 and £5.00 per week. So, I could add 6 years by back paying.

What are Class 3 contributions and can they be used to make up the deficit at all?

Am I correct in thinking that you need 32 years for the full payment?

Rubyroobs

Maharishi wrote: »

Then it truly looks like my future is incredibly bleak. I find it hard to understand the means tested situation. We have been married since 1997 and in all that time we have simply split the running costs of the house right down the middle, to the penny. We have never shared money in a joint account or the such like.

That may seem odd to others but it's always been that way and we have been happy enough managing like that. We are both people that prefer to have individual control over our own finances.

On the State Pension situation, isn't there something called pension credit which acts as a "top up" specifically for people in my boat? I do not presume for one minute that I am the only individual who has fallen short in the contribution stakes.

Yes it does seem odd as most married couples would support each other if one becomes unable to work. In sickness and in health and all that !! If you were so intent on remaining financially independent of her and her significant savings then as others have said you should have paid NI contributions which would have ensured you received a basic amount of income in your own right. As it stands you are treated as a couple and her savings will rule you out of claiming Universal credit.

Maharishi

Rubyroobs wrote: »

Yes it does seem odd as most married couples would support each other if one becomes unable to work. In sickness and in health and all that !! If you were so intent on remaining financially independent of her and her significant savings then as others have said you should have paid NI contributions which would have ensured you received a basic amount of income in your own right. As it stands you are treated as a couple and her savings will rule you out of claiming Universal credit.

Yup, I get all that thanks. Some people just choose not to be completely in each others' pockets, (no pun, ) I guess. You cannot judge how others live their lives within a relationship just because it differs from your perceived view of the norm ...