Father not entitled to pension?

DebDynamite

Hi all

Apologies if this should really be in the State Benefits forum. Mods please feel free to move if this is the case.

My father is 66 years of age and still working the farm. He said he's looked into it, but he's not entitled to the state pension. Would anyone know if this is correct?

He's been a farmer all his life. About 15 years ago, he started up a little business (one man gig really - doesn't really make a lot) to help supplement the farm as it wasn't really making enough on it's own.

He could sell the farm, as it seems there's no one really to take it over (my brother who currently lives in abroad might be interested some day though), but I suppose he feels he wants to hang on to it and have something to pass on.

I'd be happy to see him sell the whole lot as it breaks my heart seeing him working day and night and not enjoying life. He's never been on a holiday in his life.

So just wondering if anyone would have any advice here?

liquoriceall

Has he not been paying his stamp? If he has then he is entitled to the contributary pension, if he hasnt been paying then its the non contributary which if he has an asset then no he wouldnt be entitled to it. It would be strange that he didnt pay a stamp. It is most likely he just tells you this because in fact he rather enjoys his life as it is and doesnt want to give it up. Plenty of older people especially dont actually want to go on holidays.

DebDynamite

Oh yeah, I don't think he'd be able to give up completely - he wouldn't know what to do with himself! As it is now though, he's not able for it as he has no help. We're just worried for him as he's currently undergoing some medical tests.

I would've thought he'd been paying his stamps alright. He had an accountant doing his accounts over the years (though I suppose that doesn't mean anything). I'll try and get more information.

saabsaab

He would as a self-employed be paying S class contributions for some years which should qualify for some state pension. Maybe someone was talking about non-contributory pension or old retirement pension.

lakill Farm

he needs to call social welfare and ask them for a breakdown of his contributions. they send it out on a sheet with credits

you need 520 to get a contributory pension (I think its 520 , ie 10 years)

any less its not contributory

Then lease the farm out tax free and let him enjoy his time. Just sell the stock and maybe unused machinery,. but keep the land and some machinery

or

Let your dad go into partnership with a another farmer around. Maybe a younger farmer who hasn't got land but wants to get into farming. After all some of us weren't fortunate/ unfortunate :rolleyes: enough to be left land by family. Also means your dad isn't totally away from farming.

Chisler2

lakill Farm wrote: »

he needs to call social welfare and ask them for a breakdown of his contributions. they send it out on a sheet with credits

you need 520 to get a contributory pension (I think its 520 , ie 10 years)

any less its not contributory

Then lease the farm out tax free and let him enjoy his time. Just sell the stock and maybe unused machinery,. but keep the land and some machinery

or

Let your dad go into partnership with a another farmer around. Maybe a younger farmer who hasn't got land but wants to get into farming. After all some of us weren't fortunate/ unfortunate :rolleyes: enough to be left land by family. Also means your dad isn't totally away from farming.

Lackill your post brought to mind that "leaving the faam to the kids" is regarded as child abuse in Australia.