Maximising my SS support claim

dantheman61

Hi
I used the calculator site you kindly sent me based on my current circumstances.
I'm not entitled to UC but can claim NJSA and CT benefit.
It's a start, thanks for yr help.
I'm going to check my pension status next as it is looking pretty grim out there looking for work now and for the foreseeable future.

Cheers Dan 

calcotti

Can you see from the calculation why you are not entitled to UC? Do you have a partner? Or savings over £6,000?
Be aware that new style JSA is only paid for 26 weeks. When this ends you may be entitled to UC depending on your circumstances.

Silvertabby

dantheman61 said:

Hi thanks for that👍
I looked online and the info suggested that you could access yr state pension from 62yrs old but it may be at a reduced amount, possibly by up to 25%??

Were you looking at an American website?

dantheman61

Hi
Yes it was ..I cheched again today, the dollar signs were the give away damn it

dantheman61

Hi
yes, I have more than 6k with small redundancy pay out, not a lot to live on.
I'm  aware of the 6 months jsa, it may give me time to sort something out?...maybe a part time job and use the small work pension to get me through to state pension age, about 4yrs n 3 months I think. 
Thanks for yr help all

Cheers Dan

calcotti

dantheman61 said:

Hi
yes, I have more than 6k with small redundancy pay out, not a lot to live on.
I'm  aware of the 6 months jsa, it may give me time to sort something out?...maybe a part time job and use the small work pension to get me through to state pension age, about 4yrs n 3 months I think. 

Have you already got the works pension or is it something you are looking at taking? If the latter please make sure you fully understand possible benefit entitlement before deciding whether or not to take it. Pension income is fully taken into account for means-tested benefits so if you may be claiming them it is often better not to take the pension early.

Spoonie_Turtle

dantheman61 said:

Hi
yes, I have more than 6k with small redundancy pay out, not a lot to live on.
I'm  aware of the 6 months jsa, it may give me time to sort something out?...maybe a part time job and use the small work pension to get me through to state pension age, about 4yrs n 3 months I think. 
Thanks for yr help all

Cheers Dan

I would advise using a benefit calculator again and putting your savings in as under £6000 to see whether you would be entitled to any UC once your savings drop below that. It's not often the case that people have to live off them until they literally have nothing left. It will depend on your circumstances of course, but might be helpful to know for future reference in case you haven't found work by the time you're down to £6k and/or JSA ends.

Dantheman59

I Haven't taken work pension yet but can access after being made redundant. I will look into it before I make a decision as it cannot be reversed. 
I will recalculate the UC with the lower figure of under 6k to check what I may be able to access at a later date.

Cheers Dan 

calcotti

Are you single? Do you rent? Do you have any other income? How much will the pension be?

dantheman61

Hi
Live alone, morg interest only, no other income yet  awaiting NJSA, work pension around 4k plus others frozen from previous employment.
Had the NJSA phone interview today..what a nightmare!
Asked for all info on assistance leading up to retirement and advice on best way forward.
Cheers Dan