Inherenting money whilst on ESA

Hi,

My aunt died a couple of months ago and I was informed that I was in her will. I have since been told that the amount may be about 28,000. I am on ESA Support group, I am 62, so another 5 years until my state pension. I also started taking my work pension at 59 because my funds were so low and of course doing that lowered my benefit.

I have been looking into trusts, most likely the Vulnerable Persons trust for putting my inheritance in, in hopes I can keep receiving my ESA. However, my nephew is on UC and has been looking at the same situation as he is in the will too and he has been advised, I'm not sure by who, that the DWP will not care and will see the inheritance as income and will most likely stop his benefit.

Does anybody know if putting money in a trust has worked with DWP allowing you to keep receiving your benefit?

I haven't spoken to a solicitor yet either. Any help or advice will be much appreciated.

Hi stonermc,
This is a situation I have some experience of. The critical thing is that the beneficiary in receipt of means tested benefits does not have direct access to the funds; they do not control them. The trustees can buy items and pay bills for the beneficiary to suit them, but the beneficiary cannot get at the money themselves.
Whether a VP trust can be set up after the donor's death I am not sure, you really should get legal advice whether it comes free or paid.
Best wishes. Denby