Not working and pension payments

S&J's_mum

Hi,

My husband broke his back 3 years ago. He returned to work but has had to resign as he is unable to meet the demands of the job. There is a court case pending but that is another story. He is not entitled to any benefits, tried again and again but failed. The DSS are making contributions to his state pension only. He has a private pension through Barclays Bank which he pays £120 into every month. We have kept these payments up for the last 3 years. It is unlikely he will return to work full time or received any benefit in the foreseeable future.
Should we continue to pay into the pension or do we need to do something else with the money?

EdInvestor

S&J's_mum wrote: »

It is unlikely he will return to work full time or received any benefit in the foreseeable future. Should we continue to pay into the pension or do we need to do something else with the money?

Perhaps use it for living costs?

Why is he not eligible for benefits? Are you perhaps earning too much?

S&J's_mum

He made the "mistake" or trying to return to work. He came off benefits, work for a year, had to resign as the quality of life was zero due to pain in his back resulting from working full time. He has not paid enough national insuarnce for the tax year 2005-6 (because he was on benefits!!) so he is not entitled to any benefits!! I earn £34500 per anum. Cost of living is a concern but I want to know if he will still get a full pension as his final salary could very easily be nil. I don't understand pensions so I need advice really on how they work.

EdInvestor

Is there a union at his former job?It would be best to discuss pension issues with them if so. If he was in a final salary scheme and does not leave under any medical or other form of early retirment, then his pension will increase by 5% or inflation until his retirement date.