income support and inheriting a property

[Elm1972]

I am a single parent to 3 children, currently on income support. I am about to inherit a property (no money) and wonder how this will affect my benefits. Do I need to tell the dwp straight away or only after the property is sold? What if the property does not sell? Bricks and mortar won't help with the bills!

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[anniebird]

Be very careful - If you sell the property and then tell DWP they will calculate how long that money will last you if you spend at the rate that you currently receive in benefits. This means that if you get �100,000 for the property and you currently receive �10,000 per year the money must last you 10 years before they will re-instate your benefits. This could cause you untold hardship - I know as I have seen it happen. Unfortunately you cannot sell without letting DWP know. They will find out. You need advice. Try CAB as if they do not know they will probably be able to give you the name of someone who will be able to help you.

[Ethel]

If you don't sell the property it will be deemed to be capital - anything over �16k and you have no entitlement to benefit.

As advised, either go to CAB or telephone the benefits helpline for advice

[Elm1972]

Thank you both for your replies. I have investigated further and have been told that you are right, I will no longer be entitled to income support once I inherit the property(regardless of wether I keep it or sell it). However, I can instead claim child tax credits - these are not related to capital, only income. Thinking about it, I will actually be very pleased to come off income support!

Thanks again