Can I ensure my parents have a decent pension?

In message , GSV Three Minds in a Can writes

Same here, but you have to start somewhere!

thats the way I used to be which is why I now need to seem him every 3 months! Bah!

Ive no idea if powergen have such a scheme but it might be worth asking just in case. Like other big companies they dont all promote schemes that costthem money however worthwhile it is.

Bitstring , from the wonderful person linkuk said

I'm not sure it's even restricted to the 'normal' benefits recipients .. my mother is registered blind, and it seems like she might be eligible (she gets attendance allowance etc.) even though she's well out of the scope of most (means tested) benefits.

The trouble is that those are conflicting demands for an emergency fund, and everyone, including you, needs an emergency fund. See The Motley Fool (TMF) basic guide I linked to.

Try this comparison tool and look at the notice accounts. Chelsea Building Society is paying up to 0.5% above base rates on their Double Guarantee postal account - 40-80 days notice, although you can withdraw immediately and lose 40-80 days interest.

Your mother may be interested in this income protection insurance which seems about the only affordable option - She can insure half her gross income at a cost of 5% ie £5 per £100 gross income per month. This will reduce any benefits though - first you really need to see what income/jobseekers/tax credits/disability/housing benefit they would be eligible for if the worst happened, and make decisions based on that. Call into the local jobcentre and get them to work it out or post on uk.gov.social-security. Another good option is Citizens Advice -

hth

Daytona