probate can the government recover money

maryrose_2

has anyone ever been made to pay money back to the government from a deceased persons estate?
My mother who had disabilities (eg blindness)
We found she had money in an account we were unaware of £26,000 and she had care x3 times a day to help her with drugs, dressing, washing etc
My feelings are she was entitled to this care through the government - as anything other than the care would have resulted in her going into a home.
What is the situation with regard to the government making a claim on the £26,000 shared between me and my brother.
Can I argue against them claiming anything back?
Has anyone any advice for me - just as a for instance, I purchased a 2nd car 2 years ago to help her get about, as my primary car has only 2 seats and was unsuitable, my fear is this will be ignored by the goverment, and yet she presumably could have claimed for mobilitity allowance.
Can any one help me with advice on this and how to stop them clawing back money from my mothers estate?

Ross01

Yes if benefit has been overpaid they can recover it from the claimants estate, once funeral and legal costs are covered. .

TheWaltons_3

Thing is, would that money have been used or taken into account at the time she was receiving the care? If they had known about it, would she have been made to pay it?

Has anyone approached you for this money?