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Housing benefits award letter and ESA, PIP savings concerns

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1 week 8 hours ago #296557 by Danielle
Hi,
I am so stressed I have received a Housing benefit award accuracy letter and when I went to fill it in I have to give bank details. I am on PIP Daily living and mobility component, ESA severely disabled, Disability Income Guarantee, In the support group, but I was unaware that part of it is IR? I know this because of a break down letter and in the section of Limited capacity to work it says I am in the support group but have an income-related amount in addition to it. I am so confused and in fear that I will be in trouble because I have more savings than £16,000. In fact I am a strange case because I appealed to be put in the support group in 2017 and was given a back dated payment of £15,000. I am not in the new style ESA. I also received a letter to claim universal credit which I have yet to do. I only have until the 20th of November to complete the housing benefit review form. Can anyone please advise me? May I please add that I suffer from short term memory loss due to refractory epilepsy, hence this is a nightmare and seriously affecting my health.

Thank you
Danielle

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1 week 3 hours ago #296572 by David
Hi Danielle,

When you received your back payment of £15,000 the accompanying letter should have stated how long it would be disregarded for as capital. Normally a back payment of that amount is disregarded for 12 months except where it arises due to official error when the disregard is indefinite. I would highlight in your reply to Housing Benefit that you have a serious health condition that affects memory. You won't be " in trouble " as you think but you may need to repay overpaid Benefits.
Can you get personal assistance with the form from a local Advice Agency or if you rent from a Social Landlord from their financial inclusion officer?

David

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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