Esa and inheritance

vinnyvdub

hi i have just joined the forum and read some of the other posts on this subject i really need help.
i received inheritance as both my parents died suddenly. I knew nothing of the rules and regulations around benefits other than i had to tell esa. Which i did and lived off the inheritance i payed rent bills ect and as a disabled family of 3 adults,rather than live on ping meals we had food delivered or ate out for which i sent the money to my kids to pay deliveroo and uber as i was not up to doing it myself. Im now under investigation as the inheritance has gone. i do not know where to turn my mental health is in a bad state, im on the autistic spectrum and have complex medical needs. 6 months after my parents died i found out i had thyroid cancer and had surgery.
i have sent esa 18 months of bank statements and receipts for purchases i have made but they keep writing back to me for more and more information that is often a duplication of what ive already sent to them i feel like im living a nightmare having meltdowns and now suicidal thoughts i feel persecuted as ive done nothing but live off the money. I have seen my gp and await an appointment with a psychiatrist and i have been given 6x1 hr appointments with a mental health worker other than that i have no family or support network.
i called the scope support line today amd was advised to go to an advocacy service. I called power and they said i didnt fit the criteria for them to help. Scope also advise a letter of complaint something i am not great at doing even less so now i am so sick. Where on earth can i get support or help? Do i have to keep sending bank statements and keep cross referencing everything again and again as i have 3 separate accounts as im appointee for my kids benefits i have one for housekeeping,food and benefit payments that i pay my kids from and a billing account its all so challenging and im not coping its affecting my kids now too.

Emilee

It sounds as though they are reviewing whether you have deprived yourself of capital in order to reclaim benefits. This can be a lengthy and incredibly stressful process.

I would strongly advise you to submit the letter of complaint you were advised to do, explaining you have repeatedly submitted the requested evidence already.

I would then look for a Welfare Rights group in your area and ask for their help. There are usually long waits but explain your situation and hopefully they will be able to assist you.

What income do you have currently?

Albus_Scope

Hey @vinnyvdub and welcome to the community.

I'm sorry to hear the DWP are making you feel that way. I agree with Emilee that they may be checking for deprivation of capital. Powher aren't the only advocacy group, so as Emilee also said, it's worth checking for other local sources of help.

I've popped you a little email, please be on the lookout for it.