Benefits for 63 year old

[LittleMissMe99]

My Mum is 63 and a year and a half ago decided to give up work. Having worked in care for 45 years her back was in a lot of pain. This was fine, as her partner owned his own business and they were comfortable. However he suddenly passed away. She now feels like she cannot go back to work, but also won't get signed off from the Doctor (pride?!) So she literally has NO money coming in at all. She's living off the small amount of savings she has. Paying rent, food, bills etc. I'm guessing there's nothing she can claim without either signing on or getting a sick letter to say she can't work? But I thought I would check just in case. Does anyone know? Thank you

If she has savings less than 16k she can claim Universal credit. It will give her a basic element for herself and a rent element for her rent. If she starts handing in sick notes she will eventually be assessed for work capability, otherwise she will be expected to look for work.

When does she get her pension?

In 2 years, or a little under

Doesn't she need to be looking for a job to get UC? Sorry, not familiar with benefits or how they work

She really needs to see a doctor, pride doesn't pay bills, otherwise she will be expected to be seeking work on UC.

Could she manage on a part time wage? There may be something she can do which isn’t too physical - Shop work or similar? 63 isn’t old and whilst she may not want to work her only options would be either getting signed off by her doctor or working.

What about help for council tax or rent? Does she need to be working for those too?

@MauriceandAlec Oh yes I know. I've tried to tell her this. But she's grieving and alone for the first time in her life. It's very hard to convince her of anything at the moment. I'm trying to get her closer to me, but it's a long wait unfortunately. Could she get help with rent or council tax?

What about help for council tax or rent? Does she need to be working for those too?

It's UC for help with rent. So she'd need to be seeking work and prove it unless she's been found unfit for work. She can get a reduced council tax rate for being single without applying for benefit but otherwise it's UC.

It's a real pity her partner did not make provision for her.

Your mum can put in a separate claim for council tax reduction. This is a tax reduction and so not included with UC

You can sit with her at home and do the UC application online

Mist council tax reductions will also be online forms so do this firm at the same time

Yes your mother would then be expected to look for work, whether you’re mother would be employed is a different matter

The single person discount is not the same as council tax reduction- you can have both... single person discount isn’t means tested and is available for anyone who lives in a property alone or the only adult over 18

Council tax reduction is calculated on earnings/income

Getting both can dramatically reduce your council tax

I am sorry for your mums loss. Unfortunately it is very difficult to get help as a single adult if you are still working age and able to work.

She will need to sign on with the job centre and they will help with any benefit claims she is allowed. But she will be expected to look for work.
She can ask her doctor for a sick note for her grieving and hopefully that will help with benefits. But she will need to sign onto UC and see her doctor. Pride does not pay bills for you.

She can claim single person discount on her council tax, but that won't reduce it hugely or pay her rent.

It is very difficult, I am 61 and work full time [ pension age 66 ] in a very physical job. I cannot claim any help whatsoever including WTC, so I do understand where your mum is coming from.

She needs to look for work. As a GP I'd rfer her for her back, likely to physio and give her a note saying not unfit for all work but unfit for manual work.

She will need to be 66 to receive her pension. Has she enquired? You c an get a pension forecast from Gov -www.gov.uk/check-state-pension
Did she report her back problems to her Doctor.
There's seems to be a bereavement allowance which replaced the Widows pension, could she be entitled to that?

She can only get bereavement allowance if she was married to her partner. It is £100 per month for 18 months.

How long ago was she bereaved? If she claims UC then she will not be made to job search for at least 6 months following a bereavement.

Apply for universal credit here www.gov.uk

She will receive appointment at job centre
Will need to take identification, probably death certificate, bill to prove address, details of last place of work

Her rent should be paid if she is renting
Job seekers is approx £73 a week
She would need to pay all her bills, transport, food etc
She should be able to claim council tax single person reduction
If she is not fit to work, she may receive PIP or ESA

Did her ex leave a will or pension ?

Does she have a personal pension that she can use ?

She must apply, nothing is bàck dated

Good luck