AIBU to worry about how I'll manage financially when I'm older?

[ShiteWithSugar]

And to be absolutely terrified?

I'm 56. Haven't worked since DS was born in 2000. Originally the plan was to go back part time when he went to school then more hours as he got older. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 25 years ago which put the kybosh on that plan. DH has been the breadwinner and is on an okay wage (about £30k) but not enough to pay into a workplace pension or anything. We don't have any savings to speak of (about £2k for emergencies).

I have tried to find very flexible, part time work for years but it's absolutely impossible with no references etc and knowing I'll need time off sick several times a month when my symptoms are at their worst and/or the side effects from the drugs I take are particularly bad. I did have a job briefly (a few weeks) in a shop in 2011 but they let me go when I couldn't stand behind the counter and was off sick for a week, which I completely understand even though it was heartbreaking. I have applied for PIP but was turned down. I did not reapply because it was so dehumanising and stressful and we could manage on DH's salary just about.

What will happen when I/we reach pension age? DH is five years younger than me if that makes any difference. I'm so terrified of getting older that sometimes I think it would be better if I didn't. No money and health that is already declining makes for just such a bleak prospect. I think of the retirement my parents had - little UK breaks, days out, the occasional treat for DS, not well off by any means but comfortable and happy - and think what the future holds for me in comparison and it's so frightening. I've never been on holiday in my life and we have never been able to afford driving lessons let alone a car!

AIBU to be terrified of the future?

That is good advice but note you can’t claim pension credit until the youngest partner is 67. When your husband retires you would have to claim Universal Credit until then.

Sorry you are going through this OP.
I would definitely reapply for PIP and get advice from CAB etc on completing form. Make sure you fully highlight severity of condition. Also not sure it would be of any benefit to increase your state pension contributions even if you could afford it as benefits likely to exceed what you would get with state pension.

Agree with the advice to seek expert advice regarding benefits for yourself. if your condition means you are unable to work then you should be able to apply for the health element of UC and be assessed for LCWRA. As you have described RA is a debilitating disease with prominent pain and fatigue impacting function. You need some financial independence OP as nobody knows what the future may hold and you are in a potentially vulnerable position being financially dependent. Good luck!

I totally agree. Please challenge your consultant re. biologics, @ShiteWithSugar .

Biologics are a long established treatment of RA and represent the standard of care for this horrible disease. It is simply unacceptable that you should be left in so much pain and subjected to the debilitating side effects of your current inadequate treatment.

I really don’t think it’s great advice to plan to obtain Pension Credit, for people in their 50s.

That’s all very well but I’m not sure I’d count on it tbh