General Chat

Don't forget what you said this time.

Geez Allan, do you mean I have to through this AGAIN??!!

:-(

:-) :-) :-)

I wouldn't go that far Allan, but I don't want to be looking for a job at the moment.

Sharron,

Totally understandable :-)

Over the last few years, you have done outstanding work.

Time now to sit back and smell the roses

That is so true.

I do have my little job for the PRS but OH is having to do it while I am on sick. I will be back to doing that when I get my pension (who would not go back to being paid to sit in pubs listening to music?) and, no doubt, pick up a little something else.

I worked freelance from 1980 and rarely had less than three jobs at once so I am not very understanding about people who have no intention of working.

I just want a bit of time to unwind now.

LS - Sharron has been caught in the Government campaign for getting people of working age back into work instead of claiming Job Seekers Allowance.

As with all beaurocracy, there is no place for common sense.

TBH, the Assesment could be helpful to those who have longer until they are entitled to draw the OAP especially if they've been long term unemployed and lost the will to seek employment. Things like helping to write a CV, work experience or retraining.

Scozz,


It does get easier :-)

After two years of mucking about, my annual Oz aged pension is now valid for TWO years rather than one :-|

They're not being very understanding with you Sharron. Hasn't anyone looked at Fred's notes?

It's about time you go "Aaaah", as you've been holding your breath for years!

They can't be serious, expecting you to find a job that you'll only hold for a few months.



At Centrelink, I was expecting the question........ what were your great-granny's bloomers like? I was ready for them.......... cream flannel, with lace around the legs! I know, because I saw them on the washing line. I remember laughing hysterically at the size of them!

The man at Centrelink couldn't grasp the fact that my parents came to Oz under the Assisted Passages system, as migrants; which means they didn't have a passport! What sort of training do these people get? They wanted to see my Australian Citizenship certificate, as well as Driver License, medicare card, bank details, tax file number....... etc etc etc.

They gave me a file number and a "one off" password to use on their website. When I got home and logged on, their system crashed. 'Phoned the general number, and was told I couldn't be given a new password because whoever I dealt with in the first place didn't tick the box to say they had seen photo ID. grrrrrrrr Went back to Centrelink, got a new password and used their computer...... and spent nearly two hours trying to answer questions! A few days later a fat envelope arrived in the post, with about 20 pages, questions for my DH to answer. So far no questions about granny's bloomers.

Went back last Thursday, saw a very helpful person. Hopefully they now have all the information they need.

Geez, I started work when I was 16, surely I'm entitled to a pension!

According to the government site, you have to claim it. A letter is supposed to be sent out 4 months before you are due to retire telling you what you need to do.

You could download a blank form from here, just to see what info they want.
https://www.gov.uk/state-pension/how-to-claim

It's all changing next April. A friend sent for a Statement of what he was likely to get. Even the DWP weren't sure!

Don't think so.

I am being assessed to see if I can find a job for the five months until I get mine.

Have just saved the country something like half a million by keeping the old man at home and not putting him in a nursing home for them to pay for and I didn't even claim housing benefit we were entitled to for the first three or four years.

I just want a little bit of hassle free benefits while I go "Aaaaah".

I reach the magic age of 65 next month.

I've been to Centrelink (in Oz), as I should be entitled to a pension.

The questions they ask!!!!! It's not automatic.

Do Brits get asked so many questions?





:-(

The army has recently "retired" a sergeant fitness instructor because he was over 60. He was apparently fitter than most people half his age. Fortunately the RAF took him on in the same role and rank. Army's loss, I would say.

I've found the jobcentre staff, and modus operandi, much nicer now than it was 10 years ago.
They actually have appointments, instead of taking a number, and are now very polite.
I suggested that, at 58 'retraining' wasn't appropriate - but I would go on a plumbing course :-D

Applying for and getting a job these days is enough to send you loopy. Long drawn-out application forms, inane questions and then a second interview because someone is scared to make a decision the first time round. And we're not talking high-flying stuff - did all that years ago. My time has been wasted on more than one occasion when I've wondered if I'm in La-La Land, as the job being described sounds nothing like the one I applied for...

Asuming you've been passed as 'fit' by your GP, do what others in the same situation do and go through the motions.

Sign up to various websites, spend 30mins a day looking at them and send a rubbish application letter/CV off to a few. If on the off chance you did get an interview either tell them the truth that you'd resign in a few months, or wear the most unsuitable clothes you have!

I hope this is just a box ticking exercise.

Otherwise you can just see this happening: you get a job, wait for start date, do the training and wow congratulations you have completed your probationary period of employment - Gee thanks - I'm off now - it's time for my pension to come in. :-)

A lot of older people are working because they were optimistic about how they would pay off their debts.

A lot of retired people prefer to 'work' in the voluntary sector. I was quite happy to retire at 60 and have thoroughly enjoyed my retirement, and I in no way feel guilty for that. Just because some are happier working we should not criticize those who are happier not doing. :-)

'Work till your dying day - if you live that long'.