Inheritance - when to report?

GrantedPerson

I'm on means tested benefits and am in the process of inheriting a sum of money in excess of £16k. The probate grant has just been issued.
The family are doing our own disbursements (not me sadly). Don't know much about what is going on although I do know the banks wouldn't cough up access to the larger accounts without the actual grant in front of them.
The question is, at what point am I reasonably expected by DWP to notify them? I just checked the grant and it has my current addy on it, I know they peruse all wills to see if the deceased was on bens but not sure if they go to the length of checking all the executors too.
My original plan was to send a recorded delivery letter the day the money is put in my bank account. The only thing that bothers me, now my id is on the publicly available docs, is if there is a delay in the disbursements and they start to make out I'm up to something (which I'm not!).
On the other hand if I tell them now before the money arrives I'm nervous they might kick off a 'review' which from past experience usually starts with them stopping the bens.

poppy12345

GrantedPerson wrote: »

I'm on means tested benefits and am in the process of inheriting a sum of money in excess of £16k. The probate grant has just been issued.
The family are doing our own disbursements (not me sadly). Don't know much about what is going on although I do know the banks wouldn't cough up access to the larger accounts without the actual grant in front of them.
The question is, at what point am I reasonably expected by DWP to notify them? I just checked the grant and it has my current addy on it, I know they peruse all wills to see if the deceased was on bens but not sure if they go to the length of checking all the executors too.
My original plan was to send a recorded delivery letter the day the money is put in my bank account. The only thing that bothers me, now my id is on the publicly available docs, is if there is a delay in the disbursements and they start to make out I'm up to something (which I'm not!).
On the other hand if I tell them now before the money arrives I'm nervous they might kick off a 'review' which from past experience usually starts with them stopping the bens.

As soon as it goes into your bank. I'd advice you to ring rather than send a letter. If you claim housing benefit/Council tax reduction then you'll need to ring them also. Anything over £16,000 and your means tested benefits will stop.

GrantedPerson

Yes local council on the mailing list too. Why do you say its better to ring? That way I have no proof of the notification.

Ames

I agree with Poppy on both counts.

When I got an inheritance it took over four years from probate being granted to the money hitting my account. If I'd told the DWP and had my benefits stopped when I got probate then I'd have been stuffed.

Phone them because it will be actioned straight away and you won't have to worry about overpayments. ESA are currently taking months to get round to reading and reacting to letters.

They're not going to deny getting a phonecall saying 'please stop paying me'! You can always follow it up with a letter to be sure though.

Mojisola

Ames wrote: »

You can always follow it up with a letter to be sure though.

I would do this - a letter confirming what you said in your phone call, mentioning who you spoke to.

poppy12345

Totally agree with following it up with a letter.

TELLIT01

Totally agree with the previous advice. Contact the various benefit providers immediately the money hits your account. Don't do it before it arrives as all manner of things can hold up release of the bequest.
Phone and follow up will a letter. You do need to contact DWP and council separately.