Why Do They Want To Know About My 5 Month Old Sons Savings On HB/CTB Form?!

ladyrider260

I'm filling in a new claim form as we are moving, yet it's asking about our 5 month old sons savings!!
He's a dependant so why do they want to know? It's none of their business who, what, when, where & why. Will they expect us to use his savings or start asking who is giving him money? :mad:
These people look for what they can to award you less money, it stinks of a reason to affect our claim.

Anybody know why?

Jees....nothing is sacred any more?

SomeBozo

They ask because some people might move their (possibly substantial) savings to a childs account so that it looks like they have no money and to claim benefits. They can then claim poverty after "disposing of their assets".

I personally think its good that the government check these things out before awarding benefit.

Lets be honest, the government is willing to pay for your roof over your head and give you a modest income, in return they need to know the financial details of all your family, including children.

If you don't like it, don't claim it?

Bozo

ladyrider260

Anybody know? HELPFUL comments welcome....personal opinions and comments aren't.

jennie09

ladyrider260 wrote: »

I'm filling in a new claim form as we are moving, yet it's asking about our 5 month old sons savings!!
He's a dependant so why do they want to know? It's none of their business who, what, when, where & why. Will they expect us to use his savings or start asking who is giving him money? :mad:
These people look for what they can to award you less money, it stinks of a reason to affect our claim.

Anybody know why?

Jees....nothing is sacred any more?

I am sorry but it is their business unfortunately, as any savings you or your son have will affect the amount of any benefit you may be awarded.

Macro_3

Ladyrider, to be fair Somebozo's comment was trying to help. (S)he is right - they aren't interested in your child's savings per se, they just want to satisfy themselves that you haven't put a substantial amount of money into your child's name in order to claim benefit.

It's pretty unfair to say that they are looking to pay you less benefit. Most benefit assessors will be looking to pay you the maximum that they lawfully can, but 'lawfully' is the key word, and to cover their own back the assessor will want to make sure that everything is above board.

Millionaire

ladyrider260 wrote: »

Anybody know? HELPFUL comments welcome....personal opinions and comments aren't.

Because the amount of savings affects the claim... thus you could shift all your savings into your sons account and claim you have not got any.

They have a right to know as they are paying you benefits.

lucid2008

There was a case not long ago where a 2 year old had over £12,000 in their account.

ladyrider260

Thanks guys. I get really cross when I ask for help on something & somebody makes a ridiculously unhelpful & annoying comment like 'If you don't like it, don't claim it?'

Believe me, if I had a choice I wouldn't! OH is trying to better himself by attending University & I'm on paltry SMP til I go back to work.....part time because my employer has cut my hours!!

munchings-n-crunchings

Sorry Ladyrider,

You can't knock and dismiss somebozo's advice, just because it might not be what you wanted to hear.

The fact is, some people do move their money to a child, other dependant or relative to conceal what they have.

Children are allowed to have have savings within certain limits, without it affecting your claim, so be honest and declare their savings.

Munchie

ladyrider260

I will Munchie....the whole £75 of it!

[Deleted User]

dependant children are allowed to have £3000 in savings before it affects means tested benefits.
As for the rest of the thread having ago at someone whos only trying to help really isnt on.