financial help for dad after mum has died

[Noisy]

Just wondering if anyone has experience of this, My mum passed away on Monday morning , my dad had been a carer for 8 years looking after her as she had MS, he's 63 and has a small pension coming in from is job which he took early retirement from, I know the word benefit is frowned upon here but any of the PH'er who knew them will know they were deserving of what they received, both worked and paid into the system all their lives until the MS took hold where mum couldn't be left by herself.

Now that mum is gone I'm wondering what happens to dad, he was a HGV driver and didn't renew his license, I don't think he could manage those long days driving now as he has had some of his own health issues lately.

He's really worried, the car was a motability one which they were planning to buy at the end of its lease if they could afford it, but not sure if that can happen now, depends on what they will ask for it.

Any advice gratefully received.

Paul

[worsy]

Sorry to hear about your Mum.

first place to start is here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Be...

[The Leaper]

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau will also be a good place for help and advice.

R.

[Noisy]

Thanks, will get in contact.

Paul

[anonymous-user]

Sorry to hear that. What's the home situation, owned or rented etc?

[davethebunny]

sorry to hear that.

No life cover?

As already suggested, CAB and also this:

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

[davepoth]

Assuming he's still got a couple of years before retirement and feels like working, it's worth him still calling haulage companies. Most of the ones I've been involved with ran smaller vehicles (Sprinters and 7.5 tonners) for local runs which he will be able to drive on his car license. I would think that his experience would mean they'd be happy to have him. Certainly one company I worked with had the MD's uncle doing this, and he was nearly 70.

Even if it's only two days a week he'll get more than he would on the dole, and it'll be a lot better for him to be doing something worthwhile.

Edited by davepoth on Wednesday 8th December 22:26

[pacman1]

If he can get some form of full time employment, he could then apply for tax credits to bring him up to a minimum wage.
Ask at the CAB. It's worth doing. My lodger did this, he works 37.5hrs then gets £50 p/w extra paid straight to his bank.

[Noisy]

Thanks for the advice, I will look into this a little more for him, it will be tough for him though as the past 7-8 years of his life were dedicated to caring for her, 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, at the moment last thing he wants to think of is job hunting but once the grief eases I think it might be good for him to get out and do something.

[Dave9]

state pension for him in 2 years.

[Tumbler]

So sorry for your loss, you may be able to get some assistance with the cost of the funeral, if there are no other means of paying for a funeral, you may be able to claim a Social Fund Funeral Payment from the Department for Work & Pensions. Eligibility is based on your circumstances (rather than those of your Mum) and you may be eligible, also if he was receiving Carer’s Allowance this usually continues for eight weeks from the Sunday following the death. If he was were receiving a carer premium as part of his Income Support this will also continue for eight weeks.

He may be able to claim Bereavement benefits, it is not means-tested, but they will be taken into account as income if you claim any means-tested benefits.

A bereavement payment is a one off lump sum, tax free payment of £2,000 paid on the death of your spouse. It is only payable if you are under state pension age when your spouse died, unless they were not entitled to a Category A pension. There are also National Insurance Contribution conditions based on your Mums contribution record. You should claim within 12 months of her death.

If you need anything just give me a shout.