When my Parents are gone, would I be entitled to anything?

SheffieldMan1976
SheffieldMan1976 Posts: 1,561 Connected
in Money and bills

Might sound a bit morbid for a Bank Holiday Monday but both my Parents have ongoing health problems particularly Dad's Alzheimer's/Dementia, and I've previously been told that because I've been on benefits since I was 17 (just over 33 years) I wou;dn't get any inheritance.

Would this be correct?

Comments

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 5,934 Championing

    Being on benefits doesn't stop you getting inheritance.

    Getting an inheritance can stop your benefits though!

    Do you know roughly how much money you would be left if they passed soon? Do they own a house? Do you have any other relatives that inheritance would be shared with?

  • SheffieldMan1976
    SheffieldMan1976 Posts: 1,561 Connected
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1123175#Comment_1123175

    Dad paid off the mortgage on their House years ago so they own it.

    I have a Brother and a Nephew and Niece, also my Sister in law.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 5,934 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1123176#Comment_1123176

    Ok, so there should be a large amount of inheritance when the house gets sold.

    If the money was split in half between you and your brothers family, you would maybe be due £100,000 or more.

    That amount would stop your Universal Credit and Housing Benefit but there is no reason that you would not be entitled to the inheritance.

    If your parents understand that, they might have decided to put the money into a trust for you. That way you would keep your benefits.

    Of course, it is also possible that the house has to be sold early to pay for care for your parents. So there might not be much left if they need care themselves for many years.

  • SheffieldMan1976
    SheffieldMan1976 Posts: 1,561 Connected
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1123175#Comment_1123175

    I find that rather confusing to be honest, they say getting an inheritance doesn't stop your benefits but getting an inheritance probaby would? Even by the DWP's standard that makes NO sense.

  • Yani09
    Yani09 Community Member Posts: 91 Empowering
    edited May 4

    You would be entitled to receive any money.. if that is what has been decided by your parents for their estate. It will effect any means tested benefits if over £16k for UC.. tho.. you may need to use money toward housing if that is you home.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 5,934 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1123187#Comment_1123187

    It shouldn't be confusing. It is two opposite things.

    Being on benefits does not stop you getting an inheritance.

    But getting an inheritance does stop you getting means tested benefits, if it's more than £16,000.

    You can keep your benefits if the money is put into a trust by your relatives so that does not go into your bank account.

  • Yani09
    Yani09 Community Member Posts: 91 Empowering

    Bottom line is.. there is no reason in law that stops you receiving an inheritance because you have claimed benefits for 33 years. Someone has misinformed you.


    The issue is: what benefits you will still be entitled to after receiving a lump sum of inheritance.

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