Pension Lump Sum and housing benefit

Bella_Smythe

Hi guys
our situation is this. ive taken early retirement from the nhs on ill health grounds. my husband is mostly my carer although he has been working part time, but we currently receive basic rate PIP, Carers allowance and housing benefit. i have had a letter saying my nhs pension starts as from 1st april (i get first payment 1st May) but also my lump sum which is considerably above the 16,000 savings limit. we want to buy a motorhome with a large part of this lump sum. will this be considered 'intentional deprivation of capital' and they therefore refuse the housing benefit?
Thanks,
Bella

Thomas_The_Tank_Top

Bella_Smythe wrote: »

Hi guys
our situation is this. ive taken early retirement from the nhs on ill health grounds. my husband is mostly my carer although he has been working part time, but we currently receive basic rate PIP, Carers allowance and housing benefit. i have had a letter saying my nhs pension starts as from 1st april (i get first payment 1st May) but also my lump sum which is considerably above the 16,000 savings limit. we want to buy a motorhome with a large part of this lump sum. will this be considered 'intentional deprivation of capital' and they therefore refuse the housing benefit?
Thanks,
Bella

Not biting. Sorry.

baza52

you would be allowed to spend around 5-6k on a car or motorhome.

missbiggles1

Contact them and ask - get the answer in writing.

warwicktiger

Bella_Smythe wrote: »

Hi guys
our situation is this. ive taken early retirement from the nhs on ill health grounds. my husband is mostly my carer although he has been working part time, but we currently receive basic rate PIP, Carers allowance and housing benefit. i have had a letter saying my nhs pension starts as from 1st april (i get first payment 1st May) but also my lump sum which is considerably above the 16,000 savings limit. we want to buy a motorhome with a large part of this lump sum. will this be considered 'intentional deprivation of capital' and they therefore refuse the housing benefit?
Thanks,
Bella

I hope so. Goodnight and sweet dreams

Housing_Benefit_Officer

As per this guidance normal deprivation rules will apply. Each case will be looked at individually

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/424144/a7-2015.pdf

P1.700 onwards

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/365783/hbgm-bp1-assessment-of-capital.pdf

FBaby

Can you not live of the pension and your OH increasing his hours at work? After all, if you retired normally, that's what you would do. You'd still be able to claim PIP.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

How much will the pension lump sum be and how much is the motor home?

Bella_Smythe

Thanks for the info guys. All sorted. #livingthedream