Advice over inheritance affecting housing benefit for parents on pension credit

Kitty1
Kitty1 Community Member Posts: 48 Contributor
in Housing and independent living

my brother suddenly became ill last year and was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and passed away within 5 days. He did not leave a will and my mum and dad have inherited £120,000 each.

My brother had only just inherited the money from his best friend who had died also from cancer. He was planning to buy a house for my disabled brother. Mum and dad are separated for over ten years but legally still married. They live in separate sheltered accommodation flats. Mum is 78 and registered sight impaired from a stroke, COPD, lung nodules and has difficulty walking. Dad is registered sight impaired and has Lymphoma and hearing problems. He has also showing signs of memory loss.
Before, they received the inheritance in July 26, they both received guaranteed pension credit. Mum was in receipt of low care rate and low rate mobility DLA. Dad has high rate AA and SDP in his guaranteed pension credit. They considered buying a house to move into together so my brother could move into aswell but they don’t really want to leave their flats where they feel settled and safe. They have declared their inheritance at once and Dad has received a letter to say that he can still receive HB. Mum has lost her housing benefit so she is paying her rent out of the inheritance.
We had already applied for a Change in circumstances for mum’s DLA before she received the inheritance. We haven’t had a decision. What happens if she is awarded middle rate DLA?
mum and dad would like to put their inheritance together and buy a home in their names for my disabled brother to live in but they won’t charge him rent and they would like him to be able to stay their for the rest of his life. Are they able to do this legally?
Also, my Dad has my brother’s work truck which he transferred into his name. It was counted in the estate and declared. He is not sure what he can do with it legally as he cannot drive it as he surrendered his licence three years ago.
they have been grief stricken and the inheritance has caused them much stress. They do not want to move out of their flats as they feel settled and safe there. They also want to do everything legally as they don’t want to be in trouble with DWP or HMRC.
Can anyone help with advice? Thank you

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