How do I prove?

margaretclare

To starbright:

I don't think it was so much a question of you lending a large chunk of your savings to pay for your sister's essential surgery that got people going.

It was the suggestion you made as a follow-up, that you thought you should be able to claim housing benefit as a result. This, I am afraid, is what most of us who are ordinary British taxpayers will take exception to. By the way, before you start telling me how long and how hard you've worked, let me tell you that I worked from ages 16 to 67 apart from 3 years out to have children, I even worked every summer while at university, and my DH worked continuously from 16 to 67. We're now 71, still paying tax, and neither of us has ever claimed Housing Benefit. We're not entitled to any benefits - our income is too high.

If I had relatives in another country whom I could help with use of savings, yes, I'd do it, no question. But I wouldn't then expect the taxpayer to bail me out by claiming Housing Benefit.

Margaret

seven-day-weekend

Hi Starbright.

As Margaret Clare says, no-one is saying you shouldn't help your relative.

It's the claiming Housing Benefit afterwards that is the problem.

What you spend your money on is your own affair, but don't then expect the benefit system to subsidise it.

I wish you and your Sister-in-law well.

Ted_Hutchinson

Others should be aware, when reading post #9 that is a question of what the Decision Maker considers reasonable, given their circumstances

In the past people with a diagnosis of SAD have been treated as if they had "intentionally deprived" themselves of capital by having a Winter holiday.
Others who have paid off a credit card debt faster than was legally required have also got into trouble. While many, including me, would consider both the above spends reasonable, it can be extremely difficult managing your finances while you wait to argue the case at appeal.

It follows that if you are going to spend savings or capital in a way which others may regard as "unreasonable given your circumstances" you keep a record of exactly how the money was spent and the reasons why you did so.
If you are convinced your actions are reasonable then you will be able to appeal any decision to withhold benefit and be confident when presenting your case before an appeal tribunal.