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IR ESA and savings
- pingusolid
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10 years 7 months ago #125412 by pingusolid
IR ESA and savings was created by pingusolid
Hello, I've been a subscriber for a couple of years, and think this is the first time I've posted.
I'm on ESA in support group (IR), DLA (lower mobility, lower care), live alone in council supported housing, receive HB, CTS, DHP for bedroom tax.
I was recently given a sum of money as a gift which takes my savings considerably over the 6k threshold but still beneath 16k.
This money was deposited in the bank, and on the same day, I phoned the .gov ESA section and told them my new balance. It was a knee jerk reaction to being given this money. (got scared) I should've waited at least a few days and sought professional benefits financial advice before informing the system.
Have since filled in both the .gov benefits calculators and, according to them, my benefits income will be vastly reduced, meaning the gift of money will probably only be used to pay rent, council tax, etc.
I've today phoned Headway and asked for advice (I'm neuro, have memory/concentration/... and physical disabilities). They will call back next Monday when their financial people are in.
I'm so scared because up till now, things have been quite steady, financially speaking. I haven't had to budget like crazy and I'm useless with numbers.
Any tips or the name of a good benefits financial adviser/service will be appreciated.
ps. can't quite believe I'm moaning about being given a gift, but it looks like most of it will be used to pay for rent etc. I'd blow it on something nice but that may be seen as deprecation (?) of capital. I'm very paranoid about this money.
I'm on ESA in support group (IR), DLA (lower mobility, lower care), live alone in council supported housing, receive HB, CTS, DHP for bedroom tax.
I was recently given a sum of money as a gift which takes my savings considerably over the 6k threshold but still beneath 16k.
This money was deposited in the bank, and on the same day, I phoned the .gov ESA section and told them my new balance. It was a knee jerk reaction to being given this money. (got scared) I should've waited at least a few days and sought professional benefits financial advice before informing the system.
Have since filled in both the .gov benefits calculators and, according to them, my benefits income will be vastly reduced, meaning the gift of money will probably only be used to pay rent, council tax, etc.
I've today phoned Headway and asked for advice (I'm neuro, have memory/concentration/... and physical disabilities). They will call back next Monday when their financial people are in.
I'm so scared because up till now, things have been quite steady, financially speaking. I haven't had to budget like crazy and I'm useless with numbers.
Any tips or the name of a good benefits financial adviser/service will be appreciated.
ps. can't quite believe I'm moaning about being given a gift, but it looks like most of it will be used to pay for rent etc. I'd blow it on something nice but that may be seen as deprecation (?) of capital. I'm very paranoid about this money.
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10 years 7 months ago - 10 years 7 months ago #125414 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic IR ESA and savings
AW
You did the right thing in contacting the DWP, you also need to speak to your Local Authority in regard to your Housing Benefit, etc., I would strongly recommend that you follow up both conversations in writing as soon as you can.
I have to warn you that it is possible that the DWP may suspend payment of your ESA until you have provided them details of how much money you no have, they will likely request up to date bank statements for all of your accounts, so you should think about getting them ready.
Your ESA will be reduced by £1/week for every £250 in excess of £6000 you have.
Your DLA is not affected by the change
Any reduction in HB, CTS and DHP will be specific to your LA so we can't say how or if they will be affected., you can do an internet search for local advice, try "welfare advice" with your postcode or town.
Gordon
You did the right thing in contacting the DWP, you also need to speak to your Local Authority in regard to your Housing Benefit, etc., I would strongly recommend that you follow up both conversations in writing as soon as you can.
I have to warn you that it is possible that the DWP may suspend payment of your ESA until you have provided them details of how much money you no have, they will likely request up to date bank statements for all of your accounts, so you should think about getting them ready.
Your ESA will be reduced by £1/week for every £250 in excess of £6000 you have.
Your DLA is not affected by the change
Any reduction in HB, CTS and DHP will be specific to your LA so we can't say how or if they will be affected., you can do an internet search for local advice, try "welfare advice" with your postcode or town.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 10 years 7 months ago by Gordon.
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- pingusolid
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10 years 7 months ago - 10 years 7 months ago #125427 by pingusolid
Replied by pingusolid on topic IR ESA and savings
Hi, thanks for the reply.
When writing to the DWP, where should I send it ? The person I spoke with was in ESA section in Blackpool. The last ESA notification letter received was from Wolverhampton BC post handling site B , with JC+ at the top (feb 2014).
I'll phone the council tomorrow, and follow with a letter.
the only welfare rights I could find was CAB. I happen to know it's 3 retired ladies one day a week, appointments only.
When writing to the DWP, where should I send it ? The person I spoke with was in ESA section in Blackpool. The last ESA notification letter received was from Wolverhampton BC post handling site B , with JC+ at the top (feb 2014).
I'll phone the council tomorrow, and follow with a letter.
the only welfare rights I could find was CAB. I happen to know it's 3 retired ladies one day a week, appointments only.
Last edit: 10 years 7 months ago by Gordon.
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10 years 7 months ago #125430 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic IR ESA and savings
AW
Send the DWP letter to the office that normally deals with your ESA, the address will be on any of the letter that have send you, Wolverhampton is a mail handling centre, there should be a Benefit Delivery Centre ahead of it on the address.
Most LAs still run a limited Welfare Advice office, have a look at their website.
Gordon
Send the DWP letter to the office that normally deals with your ESA, the address will be on any of the letter that have send you, Wolverhampton is a mail handling centre, there should be a Benefit Delivery Centre ahead of it on the address.
Most LAs still run a limited Welfare Advice office, have a look at their website.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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10 years 7 months ago - 10 years 7 months ago #125434 by pingusolid
Replied by pingusolid on topic IR ESA and savings
The only address on this years letter from them is the mail handlling centre. In 2012 I think a JC+ in sheffield dealt with it. (I'm in south lincs).
wolverhampton BC
post handling site B
wolverhampton
WV99 1BS
0845 6088562
I'll also ask their housing team about welfare/reductions advice etc.
wolverhampton BC
post handling site B
wolverhampton
WV99 1BS
0845 6088562
I'll also ask their housing team about welfare/reductions advice etc.
Last edit: 10 years 7 months ago by Gordon.
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10 years 7 months ago #125435 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic IR ESA and savings
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That address sounds about right.
Gordon
That address sounds about right.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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