Can Anyone Explain 'Savings' For Me?

JDaws

Like the title says, can someone maybe explain to me how the DWP defines/classifies savings?

I recently won my PIP tribunal and got awarded basic PIP along with the considerable amount of backpay money they owed me, money which I'm going to be putting towards a little car, support and other associated costs, so I can get out of the house more than once a week with my support advocate.

However this backpay, coupled with a meager savings account I've had for over 10 years, means I have almost £6000 in the bank. Now since most of that is from the PIP backpay and already allocated towards assets to help me with my disability, does it still count as savings, short term, and mean I need to notify the DWP as soon as I've hit 6k?

If so, how big an impact will this have on my ESA?

pmlindyloo

Arrears for PIP are disregarded for 52 weeks as regards ESA so you can go ahead and spend your money without it having any affect on your ESA.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/689995/dmgch52.pdf

52495

If you hit £6000 in savings (not sure if you mean you will do) then it would be sensible to inform the DWP and let them know how much you have received in PIP back pay.

bigbill

You might want to look into the severe disability premium in your ESA or if not available carers allowance for a carer?