Friend who is worried

Pobby

Currently a friend with 3 kids is not working. She has housing, ct and all the usual benefits and is hoping for part time wrk shortly.

Her estranged father has died leaving her a house worth say £130,000. Once that is sold she intends to buy her la house but will have about £30,000 left over.

She does not want to get into trouble as at some point, prior to purchase, she may have the full house amount sitting in her account.

I also warned her, rightly or wrongly, that if, as she suggests buys a £10,000 car that may not be looked upon very well.

What would you kindly suggest she does?

Broken_hearted

The only way to keep the benefits would be to move into the house. If she takes the money she no longer needs support.

montymud

I think perhaps in this instance it would be better for her to move into the house - especially if there is nothing to pay!

I can't be of much help but there are some great people on here that will know a lot more. I just think she would be crazy not to move into it - but that is just my opinion. Best of luck to her. Let us know how it goes!

Mojisola

Where does she live that she can get a house for her and three children for £100,000?

There is some leeway when you get an inheritance and you intend to use the money to buy a house to live in. I'm sure someone will be able to give you the details.

Jomo

If she takes the house that is regarded as an asset?

How can she just move in to the house and carry on claiming benefits when it could be sold to cover her living costs?

My advice would be to ring the DWP, get it from the horses mouth.

Oldernotwiser

Mojisola wrote: »

Where does she live that she can get a house for her and three children for £100,000?

You've forgotten about the discounts you get under RTB.

dmg24

Mojisola wrote: »

Where does she live that she can get a house for her and three children for £100,000?

Anywhere from the Midlands upwards?

Mojisola

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

You've forgotten about the discounts you get under RTB.

I missed the bit about la housing.

Pobby

Thanks. Yes it`s rtb. I suggested having a word with her solicitor. Ummmm, tbh, unless you were a builder you wouldn`t want the house.

nannytone_2

3 bed houses where i live are going fior under 100k
why should she sell it and have to support herself when the law allows her to move in and still claim?

Mojisola

nannytone wrote: »

why should she sell it and have to support herself when the law allows her to move in and still claim?

I don't think the OP's friend wants to do this. As I understand it, she wants to be able to sell the house and use the money to buy her council house.

She needs to talk to the benefits office because I'm sure you are allowed to do this without losing your benefits for the period that the money is in your account.

Whatever residue she has left may affect means-tested benefits. If she spends any of it on big items, she will need to make sure it won't be seen as deprivation of capital. Tell her to keep all receipts for purchases or work done on the house.