Disability Benefits and Inheritance

MeandHer

I've got a problem, which is sort of nice but mind blowingly crap as well as we seem to be getting the run around!!

My Dad died (He was 91 and happy) and my wife and I received £15,700 from him.

I am on disability benefits and UC and my wife works part-time and also receives carers allowance.

But what are we allowed to buy that the Benefits Office won't think frivolous as I'm terrified of what they would do to us? I've bought a second hand car and handed back my Motability car because I am sick to death of getting the right car for myself and then having to hand it back 3/5 years later and then have to find deposits etc for my hand controls etc again and again and again.

Are we allowed to spend our money on things like furniture (Because quite frankly we've bought second/third hand for so long that we'd like a table which does not have stains on it when we buy it for example) Can we spend on clothes etc or does that mean we'd be persecuted by the Benefits Office for wasting money (Buying a new coat instead of secondhand, but nothing expensive for example) also bedding etc.

We phoned the CAB to book an appointment to discuss it with them we were told that if CAB felt it advisable they'd phone back to make an appointment to discuss it but haven't still.
I'm just losing hope that our money will be snatched by those greedy !!!!!!!s and I won't end up with anything. It's the only time my wife and I will ever likely get such a large amount each.

Is there someone I can speak to or a website advising me of what I'm allowed to spend it on without being persecuted for it?

Thanks for your help. It's nice to have this money but it's also a massive ball ache as everyone seems to have got their cut before me and I don't want to be done over for having money inherited! Thanks

calcotti

If by disability benefits you mean DLA or PIP these are not means tested so your inheritance has no impact on either of these. Carer’s Allowance is also unaffected.

In respect of UC there are no hard and fast rules. It is down to a Decision Maker. However replacing old items of furniture or household goods, buying clothes, buying bedding, carrying out repairs etc are all reasonable and should not be treated as deprivation of capital. Paying off any debts you have is expressly permitted. A modest holiday should also be perfectly acceptable.

If you have been on benefits for awhile it is completely understandable if you have a list of items you would like to replace.

However I recommend you keep receipts for everything you buy. If you are replacing items it may be worth photographing them to show their condition before you dispose of them. This way, if you are asked, you can evidence how you have spent the money.

There own guidance states
“People are not treated as having capital of which they have deprived themselves if
1. it reduces or pays a debt owed by the person or
2. they purchase goods and services and that expenditure was reasonable in the circumstances of that person’s case.”

Remember capital below £6,000 has no impact on your UC at all so I recommend retaining a ‘rainy day’ fund if possible.

Above £16,000 your UC entitlement ends. Between these two there is a deduction of £4.35/month for every £250 or part thereof.

MeandHer

Thank you. I'm also on UC. Much appreciated

MeandHer

OMG a HOLIDAY It would be so nice to have something again.