DWP and Grandmothers will

Nikkipen

Is there a set time limit that the DWP have to claim on an estate - my grandmothers will has gone through probate and we have been advised by the solicitors that the DWP are looking to see if anything is to be paid back to them - apparently this could take weeks - but unless they are investigating (which i doubt as my Gran would have claimed extra benefits) they must have a time limit - it cant be open ended and if they are investigating further the solicitors should surely be advised

beecher2

Do a search for 'recovery from estates' - I'm afraid it can take a very long time and they don't have to work towards the deadlines others do

sleepless_saver

There is no set time limit. The length of time it takes will depend on their overall workload not just your late gran's situation. But if she only got state pension and no income related benefits (e.g. pension credit) it should be pretty straightforward.

If they are investigating payment of an income related benefit then you will very likely know as they will ask for bank statements etc.

missapril75

It depends what you mean by investigating.

If someone dies and the estate is valued at an amount that would not make a difference to any means tested benefits, then there is no investigation.

If the estate is valued at a level that could have made a difference, most times this is because of the value of the home they lived in - and that's ignored for benefit purposes - or because of an insurance payout, which also doesn't count, then such an investigation - more of an enquiry - is brief.

If there is some other asset that was under declared or not declared then there's a potential overpayment going back a long time, possibly requiring lengthy calculations.