Savings on ESA

redrose3

I receive ESA, do I need to tell the DWP when my savings drop BELOW £16 thousand. Is it an offence to not inform them?
Because I am managing to live on my savings at present and I don't want to be taking benefit that someone more in need should have.

Oxonlady

Hi redrose3, as far as I know you do have to report any changes. You can request that nothing changes, despite your reduction in savings. 
But please take advice from others as well, in case I am mistaken. Take care. 

woodbine

Claiming benefits yourself doesn't take benefits off anyone else thats not how it works, if your savings fall below 16k it depends on a number of factors as to wether you will get extra benefits or not.

Adrian_Scope

Hello @redrose3. Are you claiming NS ESA or contribution based ESA?

It's definitely in your interest to tell them when your savings drop under £16,000. Not least because you may be missing out on benefit you're entitled to, but also because when you need to inform them (as your savings can no longer sustain you etc and you need the support) it should be an easier process if you've kept them informed of your different savings levels throughout.