Savings re ESA

H

I can't give you a definitive answer about paying into a pension, I've done several searches and cannot find any advice that covers this situation, whilst pension pots are normally disregarded for Income Related benefits this is a different situation and there is a risk that the DWP may consider you to still be in possession of the money and make appropriate deductions.

My advice would be to ask the DWP for an opinion on what you plan to do, make the request in writing so they are forced to reply in same.

As to the other expenditure, be restrained but if there are things that you definitely need then buy them, just make sure that you keep a receipt for everything.

I can't tell you how often you need to inform the DWP that your savings have reduced, the calculation is based on every £250 in excess of £6000, the reduction has to be sustained, your benefit payments are disregarded for the period that they cover, so ESA is paid fortnightly so it disregarded for the fortnight.

Write to the DWP office dealing with your claim declaring the reduction, I would not include any other information, let them ask for what they need to see.

Gordon

H

I'm afraid not but we aim to answer all outstanding posts during each afternoon and evening session.

Gordon