JOBCENTRE UPDATE

[Ritaritis]

Afternoon folks, At the moment I'm claiming JSA and have a few months until it runs out. It's safe and won't be stopped. Made a complaint about the advisor and her attitude. Who else has she bullied? A suggestion has been made to put in for early retirement on the grounds of ill health and don't worry about looking for work as employers will look at younger people anyway. Nice to speak to someone with understanding. Will speak to the CAB if there are any problems. My arthritis has flared up big time and as stated in other posts it's the stress. Bella is still looking for and missing Olga but yesterday she came and sat on my knee for a few minutes and licked my hand arthritis swellings. It was nice. After been told off about not exercising I'm now doing a few minutes everyday on my exercise bike building up how long I do, some days better than others. I'm also trying to move around more, i.e. not sitting down all day at the computer, reading or crafting and taking regular movement breaks. I can see a small difference. My goal is to visit Tittesworth Reservoir and spend time walking around and bird watching. Love the place, well worth a visit. Again thank you everyone for the support.

[Boxerlady]

Pleased to hear that you've managed to speak to someone more understanding and won't need to interact with the other woman again. Hope that the retirement plans work out - it's not that early, after all and you've worked for more years than many!Lovely that Bella is starting to be more affectionate, I'm sure that will develop as you both settle into life without Olga although obviously you'll both continue to miss her.

I'm impressed with your exercise plans 👏 I tried using an exercise bike but it wasn't for me. I've settled on going to the pool - I'm really enjoying AquaFit 😊 I've noticed that they also run some low-impact exercise classes for "new to exercise" folk so I might look into those at some point. I'm lucky in that my joints are good atm but I still find that I get stiff if I sit down for too long. The reservoir sounds lovely 😍 - that's an excellent goal to be working towards 😉

[springcross]

I'm glad to hear that Bella's back now, it must be such a relief for you. Also, good for you for reporting the advisor, she certainly deserved that. I hope all works out well for you. All the best. x

[medway-lady]

Please do contact the CAB/DWP if you are thinking about drawing down your state pension to make sure you can do that. I'm not sure its possible before your due date and if its a private pension from your previous employer then best of luck and enjoy your retirement. PS Is the calculation for your actual state pension going to be affected by your retiring early ? I think you do need to obtain some good advice and make sure whatever you do that you do not make a choice you later regret because you loose out financially. I retired early and received from my employer a lump sum together with my private pension but could not get full state pension until my due retirement date. Just worth thinking about.

[Ritaritis in reply to medway-lady]

Good afternoon Medway-lady and thank you for the advice. At the moment I'm still claiming new style JSA so not going to do anything about my pension and early retirement until closer to the expiration of my benefits which is not until the New Year. I will take advice nearer the time. My house is paid for and happily I have money to fall back on. I had a bad experience with the jobcentre and an advisor that needs more training for people like us, over 60 years and with health issues. I was told my complaint would be looked into and not to worry about seeking work in view of my age and health issues, totally different attitude. I've been trying out some relaxation techniques, Bella is settling a little more, sitting on my knee occasionally and my arthritis is calming down.🐕🐕🦄

[medway-lady in reply to Ritaritis]

Retirement is lovely. lol xx