How much do I need to live on

Don't worry, Totallylost, this is a perfectly logical forum to use for discussing these problems. The Bereavement one would do just as well, or Chat, but there are no 'rules' as far as I can see, and sometimes things end up in surprising places. Don't think anyone will be muttering about where you've put this thread!

So sorry for your sad loss of your husband. Could your daughter spare a few days to visit and help you out? Or a relative or family friend? While you’re feeling so lost and sad, it would be nice to have someone beside you to help you through this. Financial security is so important.

Has anyone mentioned Tell Us Once? This saves having to inform every different government depart mentioned about your husband's death.

Chelseababy, yes it's a superb service, I live in Scotland and we apparently rolled it out first, I'm not sure if it's on the rest of the U.K. yet but it was so helpful. It was the registrar that told me about it when I went to register his death .

Don't forget that getting a pension is a change of circumstances and you have to specifically tell the council tax office to make sure that your CRB continues. The same applies to all benefits.

Even after previewing I missed a typo. That should be CTB

Yes, Once is operating in England, or at least in parts of it. We used it in Huddersfield in September after Dad died, and it saved us so much hassle.

I know it's somewhere in the future this but think about your will.
Change any bank accounts including joint accounts debit cards, credit cards or insurance of any kind which were in your husbands name.

I don't know if anyone has answered the question about your bank balance before retiring: I would aim for £10,000. You could maybe manage on less, but bear in mind that you could easily live for another 20 years at least, this is what you might need during the next two decades: All white goods to be replaced at least once; possibly double glazing replaced; new bed; new sofa/ chair; new tv twice, new boiler, shower room if you don't have one; replacement (electric) car; at least one decent holiday, more if possible. This assumes that you will be able to manage on your state pension and not dip into your savings. It may sound a bleak prospect, sadly it is much harder to manage on one income, which is why I went back to work (part time) three years ago at 68, and was given a new fridge/freezer as my 70th birthday present by one of my sons! In the future, you may decide to downsize but in most areas a bungalow is no cheaper than a house. As said before, you will be able to fall back on the equity in the house if all else fails - I have friends who are deliberately 'spending their childrens' inheritance' and are living it up by going on several cruises a year!

I also have friends who manage quite well on their basic pension, (beans on toast is cheap and nutritious!) and you could grow some fruit and vegetables. You might manage a cheap holiday occasionally - depending on where you live, there are some very reasonably priced UK coach trips to be had, or there are house swap schemes, and pet sitting holidays are another option.
Before you give up work, make sure that you have some good quality timeless clothes eg a warm coat, smart outfit, comfortable shoes, etc that will last for years.