Inheritance - Need to report to DWP?

Coping123

hello everyone, could anyone clarify this situation for me?

I am receiving old style contributory ESA

Sadly my Mum passed away in August, She left me all she had in her will, this is her house and bank account savings of around £30k

I received the cash in my bank around 4-5 weeks ago.

I understand that it won’t affect my particular benefit but need clarification.

Even though it doesn’t affect the ESA do I still need to report this inheritance to the DWP regardless?

I have seen advice online saying both yes and no.

I don’t want to get into trouble for not reporting it if I should.

I suffer really quite badly with anxiety and depression and regularly have quite dark thoughts.

I don’t want worrying about this to make me feel even worse.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you in advance.

Coping123

I should also add that I don’t receive any other benefits at all.

Thanks :)

Coping123

UPDATE

I have been worried to death about this so rang this morning to let them know about it all.
The chap I spoke to was quite rude with no patience and said that although I am on old style CB ESA it still might affect my benefit, and needs to go to a decision maker!!

He also said that as far as he thought, if it DIDN’T affect my benefit it isn’t fit for purpose!

I can find no precedent for an inheritance or money making a difference to CB ESA but now I’m sick with worry in case something has changed I don’t know about :(

I wish I hadn’t got this money, it’s not worth the worrying:(

Rachel_Scope

Hi @Coping123 I'm sorry you've been so worried and for how rude the man on the phone was. I've found some information that clarifies that Contribution-Based ESA is NOT affected by inheritance and savings https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/inheritance-lump-sum

I hope this puts your mind at ease.

Coping123

Thank you for your help! :) I’m very, very alone at the moment.

it mentions on the page about ‘new style’ esa not being affected.

Is it the same for ‘old style esa?

Maybe I’ve missed where it explains about that in particular.

If so I’m so sorry, I’ve not had a good nights sleep since in two months and none at all since Monday. :(

Rachel_Scope

Please don't apologise. I can't imagine how difficult this is for you. Here's a link about which benefits are not affected by savings https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/how-savings-affect-means-tested-benefits#Benefits-not-affected-by-savings

It includes:

• Contributory Employment and Support Allowance (sometimes called New Style ESA)

'Old-style' ESA is being replaced by UC for new claimants. If you only receive contribution-based ESA you will not be affected.

Do you have support at home?

Coping123

I have my girlfriend :)

But I can’t just keep unloading on her as she has her own problems to deal with.

I’m not really coping if I’m honest , I’m literally hanging on by the skin of my teeth at the moment. Hopefully I’ll feel a little better soon.

Coping123

do you think the fact that I’ve stuck my head above the parapet so to speak means that they might now send me for a medical as I havnt had one for years?

probably due to my conditions being permanent I think.

I’m probably just worrying about nothing again really but my mind won’t stop at the moment

:(

Thank you so much you’ve been so very helpful with all this :)

Rachel_Scope

Maybe bereavement counselling isn't right for you at the minute, but may be good in the future. I'm sure your girlfriend will want to be there for you. Try not to bottle things up as it'll make it worse. Take your time to grieve and be kind to yourself.

I don't think they would send you for another medical just because you've contacted them. It's completely understandable that you'd be worrying a lot about things right now, but try to focus on yourself.

We'll be sending you an email soon so have a look out for it.

Coping123

thank you so much :)

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/139657/inheritance-need-to-report-to-dwp

@Coping123 I was moved from income-related ESA plus SDP to old style contributory ESA following an inheritance. Anything that is not means-tested is unaffected by your bank balance.

You are newly bereaved. Get some support if you can. Community hubs are often kind, gentle places. Blessings.

Coping123

You are all so very kind, I cannot tell you how much difference you have made to me.

I’m in a very bad place at the moment and although I’m struggling to cope, your help is invaluable to me and I’ll try not to worry too much about things and just take one day at a time, That’s all I can do right now. This may be just one small thread on a huge forum, but your kindness and patience is monumental to me.

Thank you again :)

Coping123

if anyone is still there,

Given that it seems fairly concrete that my benefit won’t be affected by this inheritance, why did the agent say it might be?
he even said that he’s dealt with this kind of thing and it DID affect it?

Was he just on a power trip?

Was he just being purposely evil about it and winding me up?

I must have been obviously very upset as I was talking to this piece of work, was he actually getting off on it?

I can understand incompetence but this is another level if you ask me.

Chris75_

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1081118#Comment_1081118

If I were to guess, i would say the call handler, who may be working full time for poor wages, he took umbrage at someone 'on benefits' getting a windfall.

I am basing that on working with the public in years gone by, and the attitude of some of my then colleagues.

Coping123

thanks for that :)

Well given his attitude towards someone who needed help,

..he shouldn’t be on the phones at all.

What a piece of work

YogiBear

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1081128#Comment_1081128

Personally I would make a complaint and report the call handler, (but that's just me). It's a difficult time for you. Please reach out for all the support and help you can get when you're ready.

Coping123

thank you for your advice:)

Nightcity

Hey

I would also make a formal complaint, that behaviour is reprehensible and that message needs to be hammered home officially.

Coping123

I honestly don’t think they would give much of a monkeys tbh.

They hardly ever even manage to conduct normal business in a timely competent fashion.

I think any kind of complaint official or otherwise would just either be overlooked or made to vanish.