Can someone claim state pension if they have never paid tax?

[HarryDan]

I am worried about an older relative. They are of pension age. They have some health difficulties, including possible undiagnosed MH issues. They don’t have savings or a private pension and don’t claim benefits. I think they have always worked under the tax threshold and then topped up with cash in hand odd jobs etc. They are quite vulnerable and not receptive to help. I am concerned they are avoiding putting on the heating due to CoL, as they have previously got into debt with utility companies.They are not computer literate and haven’t attempted to apply for any help. Might they be eligible for a state pension? Would Age Uk or similar be able to help?

you can check their pension forecast here. If they were employed they will have made NI contributions so should get a pension.
Age U.K. are very helpful in advising what you can claim or Citizens advice Bureau.
They may be eligible for pension credits if their pension is low, they could even apply for pip if they have MH issues, some people are eligible depending on the level of difficulties they suffer due to their MH.

www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/

Depends how much ni they have paid over the years.

If they can't get the state pension I believe they can get pension credit.

There is help available, both practical and financial but if your relative won't engage then it's difficult.

I don't know if it's possible for you or another trusted relative to be given power of attorney to manage their affairs and make applications for them?

The NIC threshold has usually been lower than the personal tax allowance, so whilst they may never have paid tax, they may well have paid NIC, or got "credits" for state benefits by having wages over the lower NIC threshold even if not actually paid NIC. The only way to know is for them to get a state pension forecast.

But as said above, even if no entitlement to state pension, they'll be entitled to pension credits which are based simply on income/savings, not employment history.