Unsure if I should have declared

NoclueNeedhelp

Hi - I am after advise please as am really worrying I have unknowingly done something wrong.

I live with my elderly mother in her council house so classed as a non-dependent - she claims pension credit and housing benefit. I work full time and live with her. Every year we inform the council of mums financial details, savings, pension etc... we also declare my working income as this affects her housing benefit and reduces it.

I have worked in the same place for over 35 years and am about to be made redundant.

I have two worries - I have read that as a non-dependent living with my mum I should have been declaring things such as savings, interest from these and pensions (I do not claim pension as under 60) - I have never done this and neither have I been asked, just what my income was. I do have savings and am now worried I have committed some sort of fraud, unknowingly, and do not know what to do. Should I have declared such things and should I do this now and let them know. 

Also I think I am entitled to claim JSA when I'm made redundant but do not know if I really want to as I have savings but then on the other hand I have worked for over 35 years so should I claim it. Do I have to declare savings? I am actively already applying for jobs to hopefully have something to go when my redundancy starts as I have worked my whole life.

This whole process is scaring me and I do not know where to turn - I've been to citizens advise who could not help so thought I would ask here. 

Many thanks. 

elsien

Jobseekers allowance isn’t means tested so they will have no interest in your savings, et cetera. 

My understanding of the non-dependent deduction is that your savings don’t come into it. Where have you read that they would? 

NoclueNeedhelp

Thanks - It is something that I have read online and am now worrying I have completed fraud for many years.

TimeLord1

It might be a good idea to clarify the situation with the council directly. You could contact their Housing Benefit department and politely inquire whether they require details of a non-dependent's savings or capital in your specific circumstances.  Or check the website legislation.


It's good that you have been declaring your income to the council each year, as this is the standard procedure for non-dependents. It's less common for councils to ask for details of a non-dependent's savings or other capital when assessing Housing Benefit.

pmlindyloo

You are not the person claiming the benefit so they will have no interest in your savings.

Whether or not you decide to claim new style JSA you should inform the council of the change in your income as the non dependant deductions will probably be less as you are not working.