Hi all!
I would like some help please!
I have not worked for over a year now, due to MS and it’s limitations. I am not entitled to any means tested benefits (due to savings/investments and my partners salary) but MY personal income is only family allowance…
Where do I stand in relation to taking early retirement (in respect of the state pension)?
How do you go about it?
Any info greatfully received before I “jump in with both feet!”
Thank you
Sorry, I may be wrong, but I don’t think there’s any provision for collecting the state pension early.
If you’re of working age, you have to claim one of the work-related benefits. If, as you say, you have worked in the relatively recent past, and paid NI, you may be able to claim contribution-based ESA, which is not means tested, but I think, as of April, this will only last for a year.
It’s worth going to the CAB to check you’re claiming all of the benefits you might already be entitled to.
But I don’t think there’s a way to start claiming your pension, sorry.
Tina
Hi, I agree with Tina about claiming the state pension early, I also think you can’t do this. However, if you have paid into your works pension you may be able to claim on this early, I think it will depend on the rules of your works pension scheme, someone will know more about this as I dont have experience of claiming a works pension early. Do you claim dla, It is not means tested. Cheryl 
You are entitled to DLA; Even Richard Branson is if he qualified.
Ring 0800 882200 to get forms; your entitlement starts from this phone call if/when awarded.
Just a few ideas of the way you should answer the questions.
While hobbling along the High Street I keep near to the shops. This aids me in two ways; I am less likely to fall into the road and I can stop and look in shop windows to get a rest. I can testify that Ann Summers has the best window display.
To get High Rate you must show you need help during the night. Say something like, “I get up 2/3/4 times per night to go to the toilet, sometimes to no avail.” “My husband has to accompany me; this takes about 45 minutes each time and obviously breaks his sleep.” “It’s amazing just knowing he is there gives me so much confidence.” “He has to accompany me because once I fell over and slept where I lay that night, good job it was the middle of summer and warm.”
Contact DIAL http://www.dialuk.info/ who will come around your house and help with the forms. Or Benefits and work http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/ who give excellent advice.
Simple rule ‘don’t say one word when 100 will do’ in other words explain in detail. Always quote your worst; they appreciate MS is a variable condition. Be very careful though as there are some mistakes you could make like do not say your housebound as that begs the question why do you need the mobility component? Say “I would like to go out more if I could afford to” The examples are that examples if they are not true don’t use them.
If you feel you want to go down the Early Retirement route contact http://www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk/ for free imparcial advice.
Good luck
George