We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

child savings and income support

Please advise: My son currently 15 is due to be given a large gift of money. This may come before he is 16 or just after. He currently has a Nationwide BS flex account. I am in receipt of income support. Will my benefit be stopped when my son gets this money?

Please advise: Having read an old thread the Harpenden BS was mentioned as a BS to invest a childs savings in. What are the pros cons between the Harpenden and the Nationwide regarding a childs savings?Is it possible one would affect my IS benefit? Nationwide offer an ESavings account for children 16+ (maximum savings amount £3,000,000) which presumably can be drawn on by my son prior to age 18. The Harpenden offer a 18+ account (maximum savings amount £50,000) with the restriction that the money cannot be drawn on until the age of 18.

Many thanks for any help.

Comments

  • healy
    healy Posts: 5,292 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    This question has come up a few times and different answers have been given but if I remember correctly the last time it was asked it was established that your sons savings will not affect your Income Support. It would be different if you moved money over to his account.
  • Oldernotwiser
    Oldernotwiser Posts: 37,425 Forumite
    healy wrote: »
    This question has come up a few times and different answers have been given but if I remember correctly the last time it was asked it was established that your sons savings will not affect your Income Support. It would be different if you moved money over to his account.

    Wasn't that only up to a certain amount (£3,000) rings a bell.

    OP, if this will affect your benefits then it won't matter where the money is kept. There are other boards on MSE that can give you better advice on different types of savings account.
  • healy
    healy Posts: 5,292 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    Wasn't that only up to a certain amount (£3,000) rings a bell.

    OP, if this will affect your benefits then it won't matter where the money is kept. There are other boards on MSE that can give you better advice on different types of savings account.

    Yes that was the figure but I think the rules have changed since then.
  • Does anyone know where I can find the info. as to the maximum amount the Benefits agency/Government say my son is allowed to hold while I am in receipt of income support? I know that I myself and not allowed to hold more than £16,000 but have not been able to find out if there are any restrictions for children? Once again many thanks
  • Contact the DWP they will be able to give you the definitive answer
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.7K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 245.4K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 601.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.6K Life & Family
  • 259.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.