Bit of a depressing post, but need advice.

pulliptears

Im going to put this bluntly, because frankly there is no easy way to put it.

My Dad is terminally ill and knows he hasn't got long left. he is starting to fret about Mum and money after he has gone. He has 2 small pensions of which only a small percentage will go to Mum. because of his health history he couldn't get life insurance. Mum also has a very small private pension.

Mum is 73 and they own their home and have under £5k in savings. I know that the council tax will reduce to a single occupier, but I dont know if there is anything else Mum would be entitled to other than a basic state pension.

I know this all sounds a bit depressing, but I know Dad is worrying and maybe if I had a clearer picture of things I could set his mind at ease a little.

Edinburghlass_2

Have a read of this thread about Pension Credits...

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=723213

Froglet

I am so sorry to hear about your dad.My mum is a widow and has a private pension from when my dad worked.She applied for pension credit though she really didn't think that she would be entitled to anything.Not only did she get it ,but it was backdated and so also was a good council tax rebate.So she can now enjoy life a bit more as it was a struggle.Even though she had savings she seemed to think they were only to be used in an emergency,as older people do.

There is plenty of advice you can get from the internet but she rang the number that the government provide,a helpline,and a lady came round and helped enormously.I am sure this will put all your mind's at rest ,before your dad goes and i hope it will be something of a comfort to him and your mum.

Just google pension credit and there should be plenty of help available.Or ring someone like Help the Aged or Saga.

pulliptears

Thank you both. Dad is worried about Mum coping, Mum is worried about Dad primarily so its very difficult at the moment.

If I can just reassure Dad a bit then Im sure he will rest a bit easier.

LittleVoice

Froglet wrote: »

Just google pension credit and there should be plenty of help available.Or ring someone like Help the Aged or Saga.

I'd just suggest that Help the Aged or Age Concern, as charities, are probably better to offer impartial advice (even if they do promote some financial products). It should be remembered that Saga is simply a commercial organisation.l

Froglet

Yes,i meant Age Concern,don't know why i said Saga.Am just in the process of ditching them for our car insurance,maybe that's why!!

pulliptears

Good idea. Its difficult because I want Dad to stop worrying but dont want to upset Mum too much by finding out wht she is entitled to. It seems mercenary if you understand.

A few discreet enquires will be made though and hopefully I can talk to Dad about it. I have assured him I'll look after Mum but he still worries bless him.

Amanda65

Hi

Firstly wanted to say that I am really sorry to hear about your dad.

I work for an occupational benevolent fund and there are many charities that can help with one-off grants or regular annuities and all you need to do to apply for consideration is for the applicant, or their spouse / widow to have worked in the specific industry.

If you go to www.benevolencetoday.org and click on 'search for help' on the right hand side it will take you to a searchable datatbase where you can type in the type of work done and it will give a list of charities that may be able to help. Any grants awarded have to be disregarded by DWP / benefits agencies when assessing means tested benefits.

I am not talking massive amounts of money, but the grants we give certainly help with some day to day expenses for our beneficiaries.

Good luck - I hope that you find something useful

sexyjessie599

Hi Amanda just to say thanks for the link I am newly retired and just trying to find my feet etc.. there is loads of information there so will keep me busy for a while

Conor_3

If they're like many old couples, the man was the one that dealt with all the finances so he needs to make sure your mum knows what's what.

I think you'll find your mum will be OK. They're at that age where, and I don't mean this insensitively, people pop their clogs so their outlook on it is a bit different to you or I who still have a notion of living on for decades.

ohreally

Sorry to hear of your news, been there and done it.
First off, if appropriate get a DS1500 completed (consultants secretaries at the hospital will have a stock of them) ...http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23069010/