£5,500 savings limit

During a recent telephone review the assessor from job centre plus informed me that £5,500 is now considered to be the limit that one can have in capital ... that ultimately reduces levels of benefit.

I've looked and looked and researched, but can find nothing that indicates this as being so. Everything I read including the government site states over 6k as the amount before benefit is reduced by £1 for every amount of £250 ( I know the rule on the next reduction of a £1 if £250 block is exceeded by a few pounds.)

We tried using last number to call back and it was JC. No-one would confirm though ... either way on the £5,500 limit for reduction in benefits at this level. And, no, we don't but I felt that this was completely wrong for the lady to say to us.

I would be lucky to have 600 quid!

There is another thread touching on this topic and I did post a reply up in the benefit news ( but it doesnt seem to have appeared ? ).

The £5.5k notification limit has been around for some time and is stated in both the A1 IS form and the A2 IS review form.

However, you're the first person I've heard make mention of it outside these forms.

Barkthedog wrote:

During a recent telephone review the assessor from job centre plus informed me that £5,500 is now considered to be the limit that one can have in capital ...

Hi BTD

Hope you are well, it's been a while since I heard from you.

I think we should never accept at face value what the DWP say over the phone. All too often claimants appear to have been given incorrect information verbally but if you ask them to respond in writing, the letter is promised but never arrives.

It's possible that there was a miscommunication or the assessor is confused with the question on the form and the actual legal limit, but it's always preferable to communicate with the DWP in writing if possible.

Regards

Derek

Many thanks.

Hi Derek

Left shoulder re-build has limited typing for quite some time and honestly with one hand it takes forever ... and then the remaining hand is not my best ... sigh. Have also been laid up, flat out for sometime; cheeky people at Job Centre wanted me to come in for another talky-bit. When will these people listen to the facts?

Soon as they feel I can manage, it will be time for the right shoulder to be done ... double sigh:)

We asked for written confirmation regarding the 5.5k, but as yet nothing has arrived, nor do I suspect that it will.

BTD