Early retirement/state benefits.

[Calvados]

Is it possible to claim any state benefits if taking early retirement through ill-health, and receiving a small private pension? Tried searching for a suitable web site but they all seem very baffling to me. Does anyone fall into this category and has made any claims? Any help appreciated. Thanks.

[cathfromsaron]

yes you can apply for undemplyment benefit if you are seeking work nd income support or incapacity support allowance if you can't! but these are means tested! ask for help from age concern or red cross?

cath x

[Calvados]

Thanks.

[andycappy]

Hi. Go to your local jobcetre they will advise you or is it now jobseekers.Andy

[ubasses]

If you are capable of doing some work you will be able to claim job seekers allowance based on your NI contributions. I was told that for 13 weeks I had the right not to take any job less than my previous salary but after that I would have to take whatever was offered. As I had Occupational Pension I signed off after 13 weeks by which time I had decided to stay retired.

[rowanwitch]

there is a benefits calculator on the direct gov website...you put in things like your income and things like council tax bills and it comes out with a list of things you should be able to claim