My nursing career took me all over the world. In 2012 I had a bad fall and discovered I had osteoarthritis. I knew work would only get harder, so I retired in 2019, after 50 years of nursing. I pursued a new career in commercial casting, and the future was looking very promising. Then the pandemic hit! Jobs were cancelled, my osteoarthritis deteriorated, I developed shingles and my life savings dried up. I was on top of the world and then, suddenly, down on my face. I only had my State Pension and didn’t know how to make ends meet. When the letters from the bank and energy company started coming through saying, ‘You have to pay this much by this month – or else’, I was so frightened.
"I found out I was eligible for Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and Council Tax Reduction, and free mobility equipment for my flat. Now I get an extra £800 a month, which means I can keep a roof above my head. It was a big relief. My prayers were answered."
Our Helpline advisers helped Thabani access the vital financial entitlements she was missing out on and regain her security.
Through our campaigns, research and services like our free Helpline, we’re making a real difference to the lives of older people facing financial hardship. Your support helps us do this. Together we can end pensioner poverty.
Rob's storyRob looked forward to life after work but found upon his retirement that his State Pension left him with just £6 a month to live on.
Aminah's storyLike many, the cost-of-living crisis has hit Aminah hard as she struggles to balance rising bills and rent.
Two million too manyWe believe there are two million too many older people living in poverty. Read about our campaign and download campaigning resources.
Together against pensioner poverty: our statement of intentRead our Statement of Intent that organisations and individuals can sign up to and show their commitment to tackling pensioner poverty.