DWP might want to claim against grandfather’s estate

[Fannydango]

I’m the executor. I had to apply for probate to get £30k he had in bonds. Probate was straightforward and the money was paid to me.

But I’ve just had a letter from DWP asking to confirm these details and telling me I must not distribute the estate yet as their enquiry “could lead to a claim against the estate”. I’m really worried that my grandad might not have declared that he had this £30k and maybe wasn’t entitled to as much disability allowance/pension credits as he was getting - for one of the beneficiaries, their share of the inheritance is a real lifeline. Am I likely to have to pay a lot back??

Hi, would you mind telling me how this panned out please? We have a similar situation which is a bit daunting. Thank you.

Hi @Ladybaga it turned out to be a standard letter that they send to all executors. Everything was fine, all above board and no money needed to be repaid.
Hope it all works out ok for you - it can be pretty stressful, can’t it?X

Aww, glad it was all ok for you. Yes, it really can!

If he was in receipt of disability benefit also he could have been getting a significant amount of pension credit due to addition of severe disability premium if he lived alone and no-one was claiming carers allowance for caring for him. the first 10k of savings/ assets is disregarded for pension credit and above that it just reduces the amount of pension credit he received so please don't worry that you will have to pay the whole lot back

Sorry just seen your update, glad it all worked out ok.

Sorry, has the estate already been distributed? Did you put the notices in the paper and law gazette?

Provided you followed protocol they can’t reclaim money if his estate has been wound up. It’s not your Uncles money anymore.

Have you actually read any of the posts?
It's Grandfather, not Uncle and there is an update not 4 posts before you.

Forgive me lord for I have sinned.