Inheritance help advice

Himmierider

Hi all, my partner currently receives PIP, UC and ESA (We think contributions based, but it has all been very confusing as she has migrated to UC)

Due to the migration, I apparently am now included in her claim and we both have access to the DWP system with a "Journal" and other info. I work two days per week and also care for my partner who suffers with bad mental health issues. My mother recently passed away and I am shortly looking at receiving an inheritance from her estate. Which I believe will end my partners ability to claim UC, as it is over 16k (a lot). I believe her PIP will continue as it is not means tested and possibly her ESA may not be affected if it is still contributions based. (which it was before migration).

My query really, is obviously I expect to spend my inheritance on the both of us and would not expect her to receive any benefits negated by my inheritance. However, I am due to receive my state pension in 2 years, she in 5 years and I will continue to do my part time job for as long as I can. From reading on line, it appears the DWP can check what we spend to ensure we are not deliberately trying to reduce the inheritance? However I am working on the assumption we will not claim once we receive it and the money we get, will enable us to survive until we get our pensions which are not means tested. So basically is it possible to cease claiming any of the benefits affected by the inheritance, so we can spend my mothers legacy as we see fit? I hope that makes sense. Many thanks in advance for any advice.

Kimi87

You are correct that her PIP & ESA are unaffected, the ESA in her case is definitely Contributions Based.

These can continue to be paid after your inheritance.

The UC claim will end once you report capital over £16k after receiving the inheritance.

The DWP would only check for deprevation of capital if you spent all the money and claimed UC again at any point before your partner retires.

She can receive her PIP & ESA with no investigation while you both spend the inheritance.

Zipz

I received an inheritance a few years ago that took my savings above £16000. I informed the DWP without delay to cease all means-tested benefits.I was moved from IR-ESA to CB-ESA. PIP was not affected.

I don't know how much DWP can see of our spending but if you think it likely you might need means-tested benefits in the future don't live lavishly. Try to make your money work for you.

Coming off income-related benefits isn't easy unless you've found a well-paid job or inherited a vast sum. You lose many free NHS services and find yourself ineligible for grants and care.

Write to the DWP. You do not have to tell them how much money you have. Just quote the date your finances exceeded £16000.