early retirement

[pattylou]

if i was to take early retirement now( 2 years to retirement age) and will recieve a very small works pension monthly,would there be any benefits i could claim?

[bednobs]

i dont think you can claim benefits if you have taken early retirement

[dzug]

If you claim job seekers allowance (but I don't think you will actually get it) you will get your NI creditted as long as you are looking for work.

[themas]

You may be able to get Council Tax Benefit and (if you rent a property) Housing Benefit. These depend on the amount of your total income and savings. If you live with a partner his income is taken into account.

[dancecaller]

I thought that your NI was creditted automatically over a certain age, but you were not eligible for jobseakers (because they assume you're retired early).
May not be up to date, but was true 3 years ago.

[dzug]

Men over 60 get automatic NI credits, but I assumed pattylou was female with a retiement age of 60.

It would still be worth while checking out jobseekers allowance - if your works pension is small enough it's possible you might get it at a reduced rate. No guarantee though.

[chimpydoodle]

assumimg you are a woman....

you don't get automatic credits for NI (only men get them between 60-65)

if you are not going to look for a job then you can't claim JSA, conditions of it are that you're available for work and actively seeking work.

if you are looking for a job then claim JSA even though you have got a works pension.

if you have been working F/t the past 2 years or so then you will probably be entitled to JSA Contribtion based. this is not dependant on any income, occupational pensions, partners wage, savings etc its purely based on NI conts.

contact your local jobcentre for details on how to apply.