Claimants over 80 yrs old

Beenie

Someone I know who is over 80 is claiming Housing Benefit.

They have also let slip that they have over £16K savings.

I said that I thought that the savings would affect the benefit received.

The other person said this was incorrect as the elderly are 'untouchable' and the benefit will continue. No questions asked.

I don't want to argue with them, but it doesn't sound correct to me.

Does anyone know for sure?

somethingcorporate

I think it's wrong too (or it bleeding well should be!).

rogerblack

It depends.
In some circumstances it will be ignored, in others it will not be.
It depends on the exact details of the benefits and how they have been assessed in the past.

Londonsu

Beenie wrote: »

Someone I know who is over 80 is claiming Housing Benefit.

They have also let slip that they have over £16K savings.

I said that I thought that the savings would affect the benefit received.

The other person said this was incorrect as the elderly are 'untouchable' and the benefit will continue. No questions asked.

I don't want to argue with them, but it doesn't sound correct to me.

Does anyone know for sure?

My Dads local council certainly has a 16k cap on HB
see below



Differences between pensioner and working age claims

There are several differences in the way we work out HB and CTS when it comes to pensioners. These differences usually give pensioners higher entitlement than working age people (under 60). Some examples are listed below:
Applicable amounts - These are used by us to work out HB and CTS entitlement. Pensioners get higher applicable amounts than working age people. See Calculating Housing Benefit and Calculating Council Tax Support for more information about applicable amounts.
Savings - The savings limits that apply are more generous.

• Up to £10,000 of your savings are ignored.
• We add £1 for every £500 above £10,000 to your income as assumed income from capital (£1 for every £250 for working age). The capital limit is £16,000. See Savings and capital for more information

Nick_C

If they get pension credit guarantee credit, then there is no capital limit.

Londonsu

Nick_C wrote: »

If they get pension credit guarantee credit, then there is no capital limit.

Yes you are right, didn't pick up on that as my Dad had no savings when he applied for his HB

bengal-stripe

Beenie wrote: »

Someone I know who is over 80 is claiming Housing Benefit.

They have also let slip that they have over £16K savings.

If the person is on an "Assessed Income Period" (which is due to be abolished next year) then an increase in capital which has occurred after the start of the period is not taken into account. The person in question might have been granted at age 75 an AIP for life; I believe that will not be withdrawn, although new AIPs will not be granted as of next year.

If the person is entitled to Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (regardless of the amount) then s/he is entitled to full housing and Council Tax credit.