Citizens Advice
My parents are both approaching their 66th birthday - will they automatically start to receive their state pensions?
State pension is not paid automatically as it is possible to delay taking it until you reach an older age. Instead around 2 months before you are entitled (i.e. your 66th birthday for both men and women) you should receive a letter ‘inviting’ you to make a claim.
Your claim can be made online or by phone (contact number for queries is 0800 731 7898).
Anyone of working age can get a forecast of their state pension by calling 0800 731 0175.
Should you be concerned about managing your finances when you reach pension age, contact our freephone line on 0808 278 7897.
I am an only child on a low income and my father has a life shortening illness. I am worried I will not be able to afford his funeral. Is any help available? This can be a complicated question and the short answer is that it depends on your financial circumstances and if you receive any benefits because of your low income which could entitle you to a funeral grant from the DWP that could cover up to half the cost.
There might also be non-statutory help from a charity connected with your father’s employment.
Funeral directors have become increasingly aware of ‘funeral poverty’ so have increased the options they provide to include basic but still respectful funerals.
Should someone pass away and there is no family or estate to cover funeral costs the local authority has a responsibility to arrange a burial.
For more detailed information contact the National Bereavement service charity: https://thenbs.org or 0800 0246 121.
Every festive season, adverts for presents seem to start earlier. My partner and I have always managed, but recently we’ve started struggling with money. What advice do you have as we would still love to treat our kids? Discuss as a family. If you are going to be spending less than normal. Suggest other ways of celebrating together.
Draw up a budget? – work out what you can afford to spend and start putting it aside now.
Plan ahead, if there’s a specific item you want. Start researching the cost now so you know if a ‘special’ offer is as good as it sounds.
With older children, consider waiting for the sales.
Try to stick to your budget and not use credit.
Check you have received all the support available this winter for the cost of living increase. www.gov.uk/ guidance/cost-of-living-payment and www.gov.uk/guidance/gettingthe-energy-bills-support-schemediscount.