I'm not able to check through this entire thread, but has anyone mentioned Iceland's woes?

That just can't be good for those people.

What it is like to live on the edge of it: here and here.

Sad to read. Makes me feel like we're freaking out over nothing in comparison.

@ Ali. The state pension is means tested, but stuff like free prescriptions and bus passes aren't. The government recently reintroduced the pensioner's 'bus pass' giving all over 65s free travel on buses nationwide. There's also something called a pension credit guarantee, which means that if you are at retirement age and your pension (either state or private) doesn't amount to the minimum threshold (£114 p/wk) the government tops it up.

But no, most of the little benefits, and recognitions for being a pensioner come with pension age, rather than the state pension itself. Official retirement age, at which state pension can be drawn is I think 60 for women and 65 for men? I can't recall.

I'll tell Dad to move to the uk then, although he'd have to wait another 5 yrs for his bus pass still.

I don't want the government involved in my healthcare, my retirement, or my kids' school any more than they are now. In truth, a little less would be better. I respect your view but we come at this from two completely different angles. Me: There are few things government actually does well, so why should I trust them to do more? You: Government if properly funded (whatever that means) can and should provide much for the people.

lookout123.
Social Security, survivor benefits, and annuities are income and should be taxed as such.
Have you thought about living on SS? I'm going to redo my budget soon, because my power bill varies with seasons. I'll post the figures later. Tax my money!! No thanks.

Busterb, I fully appreciate what you are saying. As I pointed out earlier there is exactly zero chance of our politicians setting aside their own interests long enough to consider this idea. So let me just put this out there - if you were given a 2% increase across the board would it kill you to pay 1% in tax along with the rest of the country?

Ali, there are quite a few benefits that accrue just for getting older in this country. For example an annual Winter Fuel Payment, to help with the rising cost of heating. £250 for the over 60s, £400 for the over 80s.

And a Christmas Bonus of £10 (go crazy Grandad!) although thinking about it, that might only be for people with low personal income.

As well as free bus travel, which Mum & Dad take advantage of now that petrol is so expensive, Grandad gets taxi vouchers, because he has Parkinsons. Dad drives Grandad around when it's needed of course, so he gives my parents the vouchers to use. They tend to use them if they're going out somewhere, so Dad can have a drink!

On the social rather than the Government side of things, there are lots of discounts for OAPs. Mum is still really flattered when she is asked for ID ("Do you have your bus pass on you dear?"). Places like hairdressers, cinemas, cafes, hotels, even some pubs offer special rates. They are always given discounted or free entry to places.

Old people in this country love to moan. Oh they love it, it's an over 80s hobby! But Mum and Dad think they are treated very well by society in general and feel that they are appreciated for what they've done. Just don't get them talking about the benefits availble to teenage mums.

Hah, I'll see your Brit's moaning and raise you a pissing.
Nobody can piss & moan like Americans. USA! USA! USA! :lol2:

Oh yeah? Well down under, we expect the government to do our moaning for us. Nyeah.

That's the best solution I have heard all day Zen!

Your government must be doing it's job.

Unless that tax is coming from your wages to pay for all the others.

It's just like the ant and the grasshopper.

Yes, but Iceland is in the top 5 of the Happiest Countries

:headshake

Are those polls recent? I suspect that should be past tense since they got run over by the world economy.

Just 3 months ago. BTW Zimbabwe was last with it's 4-digit inflation rate. It's gonna get crowded down there -- and I don't mean the Southern Hemisphere.;)