Housing benefit after a lump sum

Unfortunately, I can''t and won''t advise you to break the law.

As has been correctly said, once you have the dosh, you have to notify the authorities and that will affect your benefits.

If you are in a position to negotiate a '' friendly delay '' in receiving the money, until you are in a position to spend it, that might be a practical answer.

But I''ve had a look at my book of words here, and one of the things it talks about is ''Capital which is available on application ''. The example it gives is if you have been notified that you have won £100,000 on the lottery, but delay claiming it.

I think this one is tricky. The rules relating to capital are quite complicated, and what I''d recommend is that you see a CAB. You''ll need a specialist adviser for this one, it''s totally beyond the grasp of your average volunteer, worthy people though they are. The CAB has a specialised unit to deal with the type of query, and your average family solicitor would not be able to help much. I''d make an appointment and show your adviser the advice you have had. I''m honestly not 100% sure.

LMM

I would take mike''s advice and see a specialist advisor. I am pretty sure it used to be the case that a lump sum received on divorce that was to be used to buy a property within six months did not have an immediate impact on benefits. However there have been a number of recent changes in benefits rules and it is best to make sure you are doing things by the book.

Hadenoughnow

Thanks - one lives and learns.

I wasn''t aware of that, but there is something which could help lena.

Capital from the sale of a home is disregarded for six months if used to buy another home. This could be relevant, hope it is. There is a discretionary power to extend the period.

LMM

Thank you all so much! I will speak to CAB on this. XX