Would a compensation award from the Police affect my benefit entitlement?

tangerinetee

Complicated and traumatic story, but there may be a chance I receive some financial compensation from the Police for false arrest and related issues.


If I did receive such compensation, would I need to declare this to DWP etc and could this then effect my benefit entitlement e.g. housing benefit? I would imagine it would only be a small sum, but there doesn't seem much point in receiving such compensation if goes wholesale to the landlord or my benefits are stopped.


Thank you in advance if you have an idea of answer.


I have tried ringing Citizens Advice Bureau but I am 15th in the queue, and I doubt they would know the answer anyway!

pmlindyloo

Which benefits are you on?

tangerinetee

ESA, DLA, housing benefit.


No other savings or income.

Indie_Kid

Is ESA income based?

tangerinetee

I always get confused on this question. I think it is, yes.

rogerblack

Is this award in any way compensation for 'personal injury' - physical or mental?
If - say - the police knock down your house accidentally when you're out, simple compensation for your loss would not be ignored as capital.

If they injured you, and that's why - it may be, at least for some time.
DLA is not affected at all.
Is the amount of your total savings >6K - after the award - >16K?

tangerinetee

Yes, RogerBlack, its personal injury, physical and mental.


This is hypothetical, as I have been offered nothing yet, and have claimed nothing yet. I understand I might have 6 years to make such a claim though, need to check that. At the moment I have zero savings.


I suppose, I am wondering, what if Police made such an offer? I might be glad at first. But then it was more than £5,999, they might as well not bother.


[Sorry if I sound a bit negative/cynical, I have really been through the mill with what happened to me].

pmlindyloo

The award of a personal injury compensation is disregarded for 52 weeks.

See here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/351184/dmgch52.pdf

Scroll down to 52502

I would add that the guide does not specifically refer to compensation awarded by the police so you might want to ring Job Centre Plus and check.

tangerinetee

That absolutely makes sense, thank you very much lindy loo. Amazing. I might ring JobCentre Plus as well to check.


Thank you.


I will see what happens and I will let you know as well.

double_mummy

you can also set up what is called a personal injury trust if it over the 6k as long as you never have 6k in your bank at any one time you are okay

tangerinetee

thanks, useful too, doublemummy.