- Posts: 22
× Members
Savings/ Capital limits ESA
- pingusolid
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
5 years 1 month ago #245749 by pingusolid
Savings/ Capital limits ESA was created by pingusolid
Hello, I’m currently receiving IR ESA in support group (Income support before transfer 8 years ago) and PIP enhanced mob & care., Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support. I’m in Supported Housing.
Due to the recent PIP award ( DLA to PIP happened last year) my savings will probably go above the 16k limit within the next couple of months. ( been sending yearly proof of savings/capital since it went above 6k a few years ago.)
What happens when it goes above 16k ? I know ESA stops. HB stops so Inform DWP and council. Will it be a case of having to apply for UC when savings drop below 16k ? New ESA ? New assessments from scratch ? Will they count it as a change of circs even though my condition hasn’t changed ?
MY last ESA assessment resulted in a letter informing me “We won’t ask you to go fot another assessment unless there is a change in your health condition,” along with the usual rules and regs.
Mamaged migration to UC ?
I’ve needed a new mobility scooter for a while but fear buying an expensive item, even though it’s disability related, will make them suspisious. They asked for extra backdated bank statements recently which made me think they want to see spending habits.
Does ESA and HB start again when savings drop below 6k or when below 16k ? It’s all very confusing for me.
Thank
Due to the recent PIP award ( DLA to PIP happened last year) my savings will probably go above the 16k limit within the next couple of months. ( been sending yearly proof of savings/capital since it went above 6k a few years ago.)
What happens when it goes above 16k ? I know ESA stops. HB stops so Inform DWP and council. Will it be a case of having to apply for UC when savings drop below 16k ? New ESA ? New assessments from scratch ? Will they count it as a change of circs even though my condition hasn’t changed ?
MY last ESA assessment resulted in a letter informing me “We won’t ask you to go fot another assessment unless there is a change in your health condition,” along with the usual rules and regs.
Mamaged migration to UC ?
I’ve needed a new mobility scooter for a while but fear buying an expensive item, even though it’s disability related, will make them suspisious. They asked for extra backdated bank statements recently which made me think they want to see spending habits.
Does ESA and HB start again when savings drop below 6k or when below 16k ? It’s all very confusing for me.
Thank
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Gary
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 8436
5 years 1 month ago #245754 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Savings/ Capital limits ESA
Hi pingusolid
When your savings go over £16k all your means tested benefits will stop, when your savings go below £16k you can then apply again for means tested benefits but you will not be able to apply for legacy benefits.
You need to keep your savings below £16k, if you need a new mobility schooter then buy it, that is what your disability benefits are for. Make sure the mobility schooter is fit for purpose, don't just go for the cheapest, you have to be comfortable with it.
You may also want to think about funeral plans, remember it is your money, the money you get is to help you get by, so use it.
Gary
When your savings go over £16k all your means tested benefits will stop, when your savings go below £16k you can then apply again for means tested benefits but you will not be able to apply for legacy benefits.
You need to keep your savings below £16k, if you need a new mobility schooter then buy it, that is what your disability benefits are for. Make sure the mobility schooter is fit for purpose, don't just go for the cheapest, you have to be comfortable with it.
You may also want to think about funeral plans, remember it is your money, the money you get is to help you get by, so use it.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- pingusolid
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 22
5 years 1 month ago #245777 by pingusolid
Replied by pingusolid on topic Savings/ Capital limits ESA
Hi, I forgot to include that they sent a SDP severe disability payment application form end of last year. It was filled in and returned but no reply yet.
Sorted a funeral plan years ago. Recently test drove a few scooters and the ones that seemed best were expensive. My current 2nd user bone shaker has had it's day so a replacement is going to be needed soon.
Always feel nervous ablout spending large sums in case it's flagged as possible deprication of capital, overpayments, court case, interview under caution ec. I'm no good at explaining things face to face. Paranoid, me ?
I was hoping that when the time comes a managed migration from ESA to UC would be on the cards. I'm not in a position to sort rent myself and budget on UC etc.
Sorted a funeral plan years ago. Recently test drove a few scooters and the ones that seemed best were expensive. My current 2nd user bone shaker has had it's day so a replacement is going to be needed soon.
Always feel nervous ablout spending large sums in case it's flagged as possible deprication of capital, overpayments, court case, interview under caution ec. I'm no good at explaining things face to face. Paranoid, me ?
I was hoping that when the time comes a managed migration from ESA to UC would be on the cards. I'm not in a position to sort rent myself and budget on UC etc.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Gary
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 8436
5 years 1 month ago #245814 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Savings/ Capital limits ESA
Hi pingusolid
Buy yourself a decent mobility schooter, remember it's your money. It will be a while before you migrate from ESA onto UC, once you do migrate if you fit into tier 1 group then you can ask for an APA (alternative payment arreanement) so don't let that worry you for now.
Your main focus is to purchase a mobility schooter that is right for you, don't worry about the cost, that is what your disability money is for. You never know if the SDP is backdated you may get another winfall. I recently did a claim for a client and they received over £12k in backdate payments.
Gary
Buy yourself a decent mobility schooter, remember it's your money. It will be a while before you migrate from ESA onto UC, once you do migrate if you fit into tier 1 group then you can ask for an APA (alternative payment arreanement) so don't let that worry you for now.
Your main focus is to purchase a mobility schooter that is right for you, don't worry about the cost, that is what your disability money is for. You never know if the SDP is backdated you may get another winfall. I recently did a claim for a client and they received over £12k in backdate payments.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- pingusolid
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 22
5 years 1 month ago #245838 by pingusolid
Replied by pingusolid on topic Savings/ Capital limits ESA
Hi Gary,
Thanks for the good advice. I'll be calling the scooter people soon.
Thanks for the good advice. I'll be calling the scooter people soon.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Gordon, Gary, BIS, Catherine, Wendy, Kelly, greekqueen, peter, Katherine, Super User, Chris, David