Getting rid of capital to get benefits

treac

Your mum can give away some of her cash as long as it is accountable - for instance if she gives a grandchild £2000 to but a car and can supply a receipt backing it up. Get her to talk to her LA Benefits Section who can confirm this as the rules did change about 3-4 years ago........

NASA_2

treac wrote: »

Your mum can give away some of her cash as long as it is accountable - for instance if she gives a grandchild £2000 to but a car and can supply a receipt backing it up. Get her to talk to her LA Benefits Section who can confirm this as the rules did change about 3-4 years ago........

That sounds wrong to me.

I have, as recently as yesterday, seen a decision go against someone because of 'extravagant' spending. This is true whether receipts are provided or not.

Kimitatsu

If your mother deliberately spends her money in order to be able to claim means tested benefits then she is seen as deliberately depriving herself of assets. If however she uses the money to make her standard of living acceptable (heating bills, transport to the shops a reasonable holiday every year) then those are living costs and her savings would naturally fall to a point where she would be eligible for some benefits.

If she is of pensionable age then contact the pension credit people who will come out and visit your mum in her own home and go through everything with her, explaining to her what she is entitled to and what she cannot do within the law. You can be present at that meeting if you want to be and she wants you to be so you can see exactly what her options are.

My view though is similar to ONW you should be encouraging her to spend it on herself rather than thinking of inheritances.

von

treac - for your information giving your money to a grandchild to buy a car would be seen as deprivation - don't know why you think it wouldn't?

MORPH3US

baloo wrote: »

My problem is that she is only just breaking even after she's paid out her basic living expenses on a weekly / monthly basis.

I'm not sure what you mean by "she is only just breaking even".....

I assume you mean that the pension and attendance allowance she receives only just cover her living expenses.... if that is correct, i'm not sure what you expect other than that?

Should she be making a profit!?!?

trevormax

Although OP has said their mother does not want to spend it, I would still be doing my best to try to get her to enjoy the last years of her life going on a nice holiday or two. She doesn't have to go crazy or blow the lot on extravagant stuff, just live a little. Like others have said, I would be telling her I don't want her money and I would be much happier seing her live a little.

dmg24

McKneff wrote: »

err, it wasnt me who the poster was talking about when he said it was a joke, it was c mabijve or someone like that. It was me who questioned his motives to hide his money then claim benefits.

I know - but he quoted you!

welshmoneylover

I think I'd go cruising and then do some gambling in Vegas, sod the inheritance! :rotfl:

SailorSam

Are there things that she could spend some of her savings on without it being seen as deprivation.
Maybe if she is elderly a stair lift would help her, improvements to the bathroom or kitchen, maybe a ramp if you have steps on your path.
If her savings could be reduced to £16k would she then be able to claim extra benefits ?

[Deleted User]

C_Mababejive wrote: »

She should have thought of this years ago, i.e drawn down cash,stockpiled it elsewhere etc. Thats what I'll be doing in the run up to retirement.

So you are a big fan of theft from the state/fraud,call it what you will?