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Inheritance while on benefits

Claiming ESA support group and housing benefit. Have a solicitor who will be applying for probate shortly. Inheritance should be around £10k.

Council are aware of what is happening. Solicitor has said once probate is granted that will have to wait 6 months to receive money and get accurate figure of inheritance.

Do i notify council and ESA when probate is granted or wait until i receive the money from the solicitor?

I have no other savings. So will i have a reduction off both housing benefit and ESA ?

Comments

  • NYM
    NYM Posts: 4,066 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    I can't see that you would need to notify them until you actually receive the inheritance.

    I'm sure someone will be alone shortly to give you proper info though :)
  • vlad
    vlad Posts: 544 Forumite
    I don't see a reason to tell them until the money hits your bank account.
  • densol_2
    densol_2 Posts: 1,189 Forumite
    Wait as solicitors fees for probate can be eyewatering sometimes and may knock a bit off the money received.
    Stuck on the carousel in Disneyland's Fantasyland :D

    I live under a bridge in England
    Been a member for ten years.
    Retired in 2015 ( ill health ) Actuary for legal services.
  • TELLIT01
    TELLIT01 Posts: 17,866 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper PPI Party Pooper
    Many solicitors do fixed price probate these days so the fees are probably already known, or at least an approximate figure.

    Let the various authorities know once the solicitor transfers the funds to your bank. ESA will be affected if it's Income Related. Payment would drop by about £16 per week if the inheritance is £10k. Over £6k payment drops by £1 for every £250 or part thereof. e.g. £7k reduction would be £4 per week.
  • baza52
    baza52 Posts: 3,029 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited 21 January 2016 at 1:10AM
    book yourself a holiday and replace any old or worn out household appliances or carpets, furniture etc.
    Buy a new car if you need one.

    You will soon be below the threshold :)

    Also remember, you can only deprive yourself of capital and not income.
    Any benefits you get can be spent on anything you want as long as its spent before the next payment is due as it then become capital.
    You could live off your capital and use your income to treat family members or anything else you want to do with it.
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