Pension is utterly terrible. Any advice much appreciated due to current panic!

[AuADHD]

I’m 50. I was a registered nurse and have an NHS pension. I’ve not worked in the NHS or paid into that pension since July 2013.
Those savvy with money with be horrified I’m sure but there are reasons for my situation being as it is including ADHD and autism, divorce, financial abuse from my exH, post metal depression after my first child that resulted in me being unable to go back to work as planned when she was 6 months old, terrible money habits in my family so no good role models or education about finances. Since divorce I’ve mainly been looking after my youngest who has autism and ADHD, my mum the who I am her full time carer, and just trying to survive. My physical health has been quite poor throughout my working life with some chronic conditions. All a big mess really.

I wanted to check how much my pension is worth so contacted them then other day. It is as follows:

Normal pension age is 60.
Current values:
pension £2,994.63
lump sum £8,893.87

standard benefits if taking the maximum lump sum:
pension £2,406.40
lump sum 16,042.65

contributions for 2013 up to when I left employment in July:
employee £237.62
employer £602.26

No contributions since. I joined the scheme in 2002 when I was doing my nurse training and worked as an HCA part time.

I have 3 years missing from my NI contributions from when I was at University.

My pension age is 67 according to the government website.

I don’t own any property and am private renting with 2 of my 3 dc. All 3 dc gave additional needs. The middle one will hopefully go to university in 2028. The youngest has a significant inheritance from his father dying so he’s set up well.

I will be a carer for my mum until she passes away. Then it’s me that will be responsible for sorting out everything that follows that which I know will take all my mental and physical reserves. My brother is skip executor but lives too far away to be of any practical assistance.

I want to work when the time comes but currently don’t know what I would like to do. Whatever is available I think! I’d have to do a return to nursing course and I’m not sure at the moment if I want to. It’s an option though. So say in 5 years I might be doing that which would give me hopefully 11 or 12 years of employment to pay into a pension.
There’s a chance I could currently work one day a week between caring for my mum and dc. I suffer from autistic burnout so have to be careful. This time last year was awful for me and I was barely functioning.

I have no savings. I should get around £35,000 in inheritance but it’s not guaranteed.

Caring for my mum suits our family and our needs at the moment and she does pay me out of her attendance allowance. Otherwise I’m on UC, with child benefit for 2 children, housing benefit pays 3/4 of the rent. I work very hard for my mum putting in around 40 hours a week, a fair bit of that is physical stuff like gardening and cleaning. Essentially I’m
running two households. I’m a hard worker and never still. I don’t want anyone thinking I’m work shy.

I feel like I am royally fucked and would be very grateful for any advice as to how to improve my retirement. Dd plans on getting a farm and we’ve joked about a granny annexe but realistically I need a plan. I didn’t expect my life to turn out like this and feel very upset and panicked. Please be gentle.

Which are very hard to get, so you would probably be waiting years for one if you get accepted onto the housing list.
But if your income/finances don’t allow you to pay the rent on a private rental, you could probably be entitled to housing benefit to stay in said private rental

Honestly, I don’t think you’re as screwed as you feel right now. You’ve had an enormous amount on your plate and have spent years caring for other people. I’d get someone who understands pensions and benefits to go through everything with you, because there may be options you haven’t considered. Try not to panic and make big decisions while you’re feeling overwhelmed.

I’d get on the list now if you want one… it can take a decade

Actually the over 60s warden controlled flats don't take ages to get. I assisted someone a few years back to get one. Rang around the housing associations, found three vacancies to view and they were in within a month...........for obvious reasons they become vacant regularly😕

I wouldn't worry too much, I'm on a pretty small NHS pension (late student) plus full state pension and manage fine. I mean it's not champagne and holidays abroad but can definitely shop at m & s and heating on whenever I want.

Once you can take the NHS pension I'd recommend taking it as you can then work a little less to manage your condition. I've had mine for 10 years but still did bank shifts for a long time or a lot of people take it and reduce their permanent hours.