Housing & Council Tax Benefit Deprevation of Capital

luminated

I am getting very close to the savings limit below which I would be able to claim HB & CTB but one thing is worrying me about some (above average) spend that will be made in the near future.

The extra spend includes new mobility equipment £600 or could be more and other items which I know from reading the Deprivation of Capital Decision Makers guide would be permitted. So it could be up to £1500 in one month which will take me straight below the capital limits for means tested benefits.

Usually I buy things on my Credit Card and pay off in full each month but what will the attitude be of the council with a HB/CTB claim in the same or the next month. Will they say it was not essential to pay off in full and I should of only paid the minimum amount. Or should I pay by bank debit card?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Deleted User]

pay by debit card

rogerblack

As above - capital is not capital minus debt on a credit card.
So, paying by debit card means you can have effectively more 'real' capital.
This is general - if you get a 7K loan, you now have 7K capital (in general)

Plus, income only becomes capital once the end of the period for which it's
paid.
So, if you have a current account at 5800 at the end of every month, even though there is 1K paid in at the beginning of the month, you are not breaking the 6K limit at which your benefit may be affected.

(however, not informing the council of this may raise questions, and you should make sure the above is correct)

luminated

Thanks Woodbine & RogerBlack.

It is just so no buses at the bus stop then a number (expenses) all come together :eek: