Probate, Pensions And Savings

rickytanner26

Hi All

One of my family memebers passed away recently and the probate has been granted without a solicitor and the estate distributed.

The work and pensions department have been in touch saying that they are owed £8000 in pension overpayment because in the probate application £18,000 was declared as the total estate and the deceased declared £10,000 in savings when the pension was originally applied for.

Can anyone give some advice on what the law states with regards to the amount of savings that are allowed whilst claiming for a government pension?

I hope this makes sense and any help will be greatfully received.

Errata

It could be an overpayment of pension credit. If that's the case there's info here http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensioncredit/

Errata

It could be an overpayment of Pension Credit. Info on PC here
http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensioncredit/

sorry - double post

Pep1

Savings do not matter at all when claiming a state pension, it is based on contributions only.
As stated it is most likely an overpayment of Pension Credit which is means tested.
They calculate a tariff income from what savings the person claiming has/had however £8000.00 overpayment sounds very high. It would take a long time for it to mount up to that sort of amount, unless they wouldn't have been entitled at all.
Firsty I would advise going to see someone at the CAB to find out if you have to pay it back.
If you do then get them to supply you with a complete break down of their calculations.