couple want benefits after spending £100,000

[BERNADETTE]

Originally Posted by garinda

Perhaps I'm being particularly dim here, but to me it is very clear cut.

For most means tested benefits the amount you're allowed to have in savings is up to£16,000.

If you have a windfall, from wherever, and don't inform the relevant bodies, who then adjust the amount of benefit claimed, then it is treated as fraud.

Am sure the figure for savings is £12,000 anything above that is taken into account

[garinda]

Originally Posted by Neil

There is a big difference on what the minimum you can live on and what you would like to live on.

Of course that's quite true.

As was pointed out in another thread, after buying a house, car, holiday, paying off relatived mortgages/debts, there wouldn't be much change left from a million pounds. However in law that is the figure that a person is supposed to be able to live on.

An example.

A lovely chap is diagnosed with an incurable disease.

That chap eventually finds out he is able to claim benefits, because of said illness.

The chap also discovers his private pension will pay him a small weekly sum, because there is presently no cure for his illness.

The benefits paid are adjusted, as the pension is included in the amount the law says he has to live on.

The lovely chap understands this, and thinks it is quite right.

[garinda]

Originally Posted by BERNADETTE

Am sure the figure for savings is £12,000 anything above that is taken into account

I've just been checking, and you the figure does vary, depending on the type of means tested benefit, as well as your age. For people over pensionable age I don't think there is a limit, unless you need residential care, where again the limit is set at £16,000.

Of course if you live in Scotland you get to keep all your savings, including any property you might have.

To me that is wrong. The laws of the U.K. should be applicable to all.

I'd much rather people got a bee in their bonnet about this discrepency, than worrying about feckless people who still expect to get means tested benefits after receiving a windfall.

[Neil]

Originally Posted by garinda

Of course if you live in Scotland you get to keep all your savings, including any property you might have.

Now that is out of order.

So I am paying my tax in England to fund people in Scotland who could have massive savings and live in a mansion.

Anyone up for helping me rebuild Hadrian's Wall?
While we are at it lets dig Offa's Dyke deeper as well.

[garinda]

Originally Posted by Neil

Now that is out of order.

So I am paying my tax in England to fund people in Scotland who could have massive savings and live in a mansion.

Anyone up for helping me rebuild Hadrian's Wall?
While we are at it lets dig Offa's Dyke deeper as well.

In Scotland, as well as free residential care for the elderly, without the need to use your savings or sell your house to pay for it, students don't have to pay tuition fees to attend university, which they do in England.

Not a very united kingdom at all really.