Question for my mum - Re: Benefits

[Deimos]

Hi all

 

A quick question for you all.

 

My mum is 67, she remarried about 15 years ago and her husband is 15 years younger than her, so 52.

 

They keep their finances separate, so she has no idea how much he earns and likewise, he doesn't know what she gets (a basic state pension only)

 

He has his own financial commitments, so whatever money she gets in, is her own, but usually gets used up very quickly on bills/food etc

 

So my question is with regards to benefits, she can't claim pension credit, because he's in fulltime work and his wage is taken into account when she applies, is that correct?

 

Or can she apply without that information, given that she doesn't receive or have access to any money he earns?

[Slatted]

This may be a personal question but does her husband not contribute to the food and other household costs from his full time income?

[Nystagmite]

It doesn't matter whether their finances are separate. They will be treated as a coupl if living together as man and wife. (LTAMAW)

[MIKEY DABODEE]

Nystagmite is correct as usual

they are married and are a couple, so even if he keeps his earnings to himself, they will be counted,

if your mother applies and doesnt tell them, a scan will pick it up, not good

I know she wont though

Edited June 18, 2012 by MIKEY DABODEE

[Deimos]

Yea I thought as much, and no, she wouldn't do something like that, hehe.

 

Well the husband in question has a lot of money going out, as far as I can tell, he covers the entire mortgage and major bills, she basically buys all the food etc

 

It's a shame they take both incomes into account, because she could do with the extra money, sadly she can't work as she has arthritis in her hands etc.

[MIKEY DABODEE]

I know, but at 67 bad hands or not should she really shouldnt be expected to work,

but who knows these days

[Deimos]

I know, but at 67 bad hands or not should she really shouldnt be expected to work,

but who knows these days

 

I completely agree with you, which is why it's bothering me a lot lately, hence I was wondering about pension credit.

I can understand why the system works at it is, but in some ways, it does come across as a bit unfair.

[MIKEY DABODEE]

she can get the state pension surely

 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/StatePension/DG_188551

[Deimos]

I did say in the first post she gets the basic state pension hehe.

I just wish she could get some more, ya know?