Assessed Income Period, Pension Credit, death and DWP

tjones4958

My mother passed away last year, had been receiving pension credit since 2006 - and had an Assessed Income Period at the time of her death. She received an inheritance in 2013 and we contacted the DWP by phone to let them know, but were told that this would not affect her pension credit because of the AIP, and that we would not need to contact them again unless she went into a care home. She went into a home 4 months before passing away - and DWP were informed.

Probate was granted, and we received a letter from DWP last year asking for further information probably because she had over the limit for claiming Pension Credit. No response until now when they want proof of her financial position from 2006. The bank cannot supply this, but can supply statements from 2014 - which include her inheritance. I can also supply proof of her inheritance if this would make a difference.

Surely DWP would have proof of the finances when they granted her pension credit in 2006 - she had to provide bank statements at that time so why are they asking for historical information which is not available.

I am really disappointed that they are acting as if my mother was dishonest. Has anyone else been in a similar position - and what was the outcome. All advice appreciated.

Keep_pedalling

Unfortunately this is fairly standard where someone on PC dies with significant assets (usually it is because they owned a house which would never have been included in any assessment for PC.

if she was on an indefinite AIP then the inheritance would not impact the payment, but they still go though this post death checks in many cases. All you can do is provide the information as far back as possible and inform them that earlier records are no longer available.