Inheritance and worries about my esa and pip

Sarah24

Hi.

I have been left inheritance from a family member. I am on ESA and PIP I have got Torsion dystonia and PTSD

I am going to move in to my own flat in the spring next year.

I will also be meeting with two relatives in January to share some money with them.

I am confused when I ring the dwp with what I say ? I don't want to lose my esa, pip I will keep as it's not means tested.

I have also got to buy all new furniture when I move out of my supported housing.

Thanks

Zipz

Hello Sarah,

I'm assuming, perhaps wrongly, that you are currently receiving income-related ESA and that you will lose this and other means-tested benefits and support (eg free prescriptions) as a result of your inheritance.

It troubles me that you plan to "share" some money with family members. Please don't give away a share of your legacy unless it is huge! If you need means- tested support in the future your generosity to other could be regarded as deprivation of capital.

It might be easier to right to the DWP by registered post.

All the best for a bright future, Zipz

poppy123456

If any part of your ESA is Income Related and your inheritance is more than £16,000 then this will stop, as well as any other means tested benefits you maybe claiming such as housing benefit and council tax reduction.

Zipz is correct that giving your money away when claiming means tested benefit will be deprivation of capital and you'll still be treated as having that money, which will still affect your means tested benefits.

If you're in the Support Group for ESA and you receive more than £276.40/fortnight that at least part of it is Income Related. If any part of it is contributions based this will not be affected.

First thing you need to do is ring ESA to ask what your claim is made up of and whether any part of and they should be able to tell you.

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/955939#Comment_955939

@poppy123456 Am I right in thinking that if the OP comes of income related benefits due to her inheritance and gives capital away, this will be counted as deprivation of capital should she need means tested support in the future?

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/956003#Comment_956003

Yes you are correct, I did mention that in my comment above.