IR esa how its looked at

Hello Forum
I have a question that maybe someone will know the answer to .........

If I go from esa(cb) into esa(IR) your savings are looked at, doe's anyone know if they look at HMRC to see if you have earnt interist & paid tax in the current ot past tax year ?

Or do they just ask to see a bank/building society account etc as proof of what you have in savings ? as I am sure they must ask you to fill out a decleration of what you have as assets.

Thanks, Derekq

Hi Gordon
Thanks for the reply, I thought this may be the case, but I was not sure.
I recall hearing or reading that if you have savings and delbierately spend it or give it away to drop below the maximun figure as to fall in the band for recieving benefit payments they class you as not being elegable to claim.
Maybe I have it wrong there ?
I am not sure just how far back they can look at HMRC, what small amount I have would just take me over the threshold amount.
aseems they have us by the short & curlies !!!

Derekq

There is something called 'Deprivation of Capital'. As I understand it this means that, if it is thought that you spent money soley with the intention of gaining access to benefits, you can be treated as if you actually still have this money and your benefit reduced/stopped accordingly. There are some things that you are allowed to spend on, but the rules are quite complex and beyond my remit.

Edit - beaten to it by Gordon!

Thanks Mrs Hurtyback & Gordon for your replys, yes now I recall those very words.

I will investigate more about this as so many of there terms are some what misty to say the least.

Derekq