How much money can I have whilst claiming benefits

EltonJohnFan

Hi all,

I was recently left £6,000 in the will of a dead relative and I'm just wondering if this could possibly affect my claim for Jobseekers Allowance? I don't have much money but I'm an honest person and I would hate to get in trouble for not declaring this money to them as they sometimes ask me at my signing on days if any of my circumstances have changed, does that mean they can check my bank account?. I only have another £2,000 of my own money but I've saved hard to get this and I'm worried that the total of about £8,000 I now have could mean that I could put myself in a situation where the Jobcentre thinks I'm trying to cheat them somehow when that isn't the case at all, this money was unexpected and it's only just cleared today. What do I have to do if anything? is there a limit on how much money I can have whilst I'm claiming Jobseekers Allowance? I'm grateful for your help, thank you.

themull1

Ask the jobcentre plus office.

Indie_Kid

How old are you?

Caz3121

If you are claiming CB JSA it makes no difference whether you have £8k or £80k

For income based benefits it will be reduced by £1 for every £250 over £6k

HappyMJ

Tell them when you next sign on. There is no limit as to how much money you can have whilst claiming JSA. The amount you have may affect the amount you get but you could have millions and still claim JSA.

cassieB57

HappyMJ wrote: »

Tell them when you next sign on. There is no limit as to how much money you can have whilst claiming JSA. The amount you have may affect the amount you get but you could have millions and still claim JSA.

....but only if it is Contribution-based.

You answered your own question in a way-you are signing a declaration that you have reported any changes in your circumstances-the decision maker decides whether the change affects your benefit.If you get income based JS then it will, as Caz said

AnxiousMum

Whether it makes a difference or not, you are in an agreement with the job centre that requires you to report any changes to them. As said above, if it's contributions based, it will make no difference. If you're on means tested benefits of any kind, then you may find it will make a difference in your payments - but then, when you have the money to support yourself, no matter how you've come about it - you don't need the extra benefit money to get by. Benefits are for those in need, which is why they have a threshhold whereby they will start making deductions to your means tested benefits.

AsknAnswer2

If your JSA claim is income based, your benefit payments will be £8 less per week than what you currently get.