IR ESA and Inheritance (and stamp)

Hi

I've been on IR ESA (149.05 PW) for many years and also receive PIP.

Just today I've finally physically received into my bank account a low six figure inheritance into my bank account and will be calling the dreaded ESA offices on Monday morning to notify them. What should be a really happy day is actually terrifying me

Q1) I know that IR ESA is means tested I'm just wondering does this mean I lose all that benefits money forever?

Q2) Obviously I'm still having major health issues and can't work so what would happen to my NI stamp, prescriptions entitlement and dental care? Do I lose all this too as to be honest I think these are more important to me for my current health meds / care and future pension?

Q3) I presume PIP will be left untouched as I think it's not means tested. Is that correct? If it isn't do I not need to notify them?

Thank you so much for all your help. You're guides and advice have been invaluable to be over the years.

Seasons greetings,

Jason.
Sorry for any typos, my phone hates me. 😀

Thank you Gordon. I'll give the ESA people a call on Monday.

Happy Christmas to you.

Jason.

Dear coolthud, Gordon mentions: 'and the DWP have no issues with how you disposed of the money'.
Please do keep as many receipts as possible if you do have to spend the inheritance, as DWP have a nasty habit of alleging you haven't really spent it but have eg moved it somewhere, and still have it, even though you haven't. Receipts for goods [eg shopping or that replacement appliance] and services are the only way to prove where the money went.
It might be worth investing in an exercise book and a gluestick, to just paste them in as you shop. The ink on some does fade though.
Hope you get this sorted,
Denby

It's worth reflecting on whether there's anything you really need to buy with some of the money, which you haven't been able to afford without it – for instance, did you think "I can finally buy an orthopaedic mattress and be rid of the constant back pain"?

I've received two modest legacies. The first was spent on replacing a 15-year-old powerchair, which had started to cost a lot in repairs. The second arrived shortly before the local authority rehoused me in a new bungalow, which had bare concrete floors and no blinds, fittings, etc. I had to furnish it almost from scratch, which only left me with about £3k from the legacy.

I kept careful records, and in both cases DWP accepted all the expenditure without quibble. The second legacy took me well over the 6K lower capital limit for few weeks, and they stopped a small amount (less than £50) from my ESA in respect of this.

It was a royal pain having to photocopy everything, but I was pleasantly surprised at how they dealt with it – I was expecting to be arguing over whether it's really essential to have a dishwasher or whatever. (It is, by the way, if standing at the sink tends to make you collapse in sections like a blown-up chimney. 😆)

Good luck.