Hi all
My husband discovered he had a pension pot he didn't know he had and, as we have had nothing for years, we decided to draw some as lump sum(s) and treat ourselves.
we planned on keeping 20k for a holiday of a lifetime when we retire (both 57) however this hasn't happened
I suffer from Emotionally Unstable Personality disorder and one of the biggest issues is uncontrollable spending and my hubby is a gambler
We have never had anything new for 20 odd years so we thought we could have a wild spend. We initially took 6k (5947 after tax) and bought 3pc suite, ipad, laptop, bedroom furniture
that initial sum didn't last long so we took another sum same amount the following month and again bought items, new kitchen appliances, ps5, fishing tackle 2nd hand, and clothes plus had a holiday in Skegness!!
Again this took care of most of this so again a 3rd sum was taken, clothes, gambling, few more items, paid some bills off. This meant he was well past our plan of keeping the 20k so we thought we might as well get the rest of what we need so again a smaller 4k lump sum taken, holiday again only in UK, more spending, gambling etc
We have had nothing for years and we are literally house bound due to my illness, my hubby is 24/7 carer so has no release hence fishing tackle which he hasn't been able to use yet due to my insecurity. We don't drink, smoke or have any social life and tbh the spending/gambling as gone out of hand
As we never exceeded 6k at any point we never notified ESA as we genuinely believed we didn't need to but, a letter arrived yesterday saying we failed to notify a change of circs due to the pension payments and are requesting bank statements since May when lump sums started, plus explanation of where money has gone with proof. They hae said must be received by 26th Nov or benefit may stop
Banks are saying 2 weeks min for postal statements,
My hubby never leaves money in his account as he has been scammed before so he moves into a savers accunt and transfers back as and when he needs to spend it
We have never exceeded 6k but i am terrified, as he is my appointee, if he would be sent to prison for this as i would commit suicide as without him my life if over
He is thinking of trying to write a letter to them explaining everything in depth but he doesn't think we will be able to achieve their deadline date
Will they just stop our ESA if not received on time?
Please if anybody can offer any advice i would really really appreciate it, is there a way to reuest more time?
The letter from them doesn't have a header it just says "we are reviewing your claim" and need some more information to ensure you are getting the right amount of benefit
SORRY FOR LONG POST BUT I REALLY AM SCARED
