How we work out your benefit - your capital

Who can claim?

If you have less than £6,000 savings or are 60 and over with less than £10,000 savings or you are getting...

  • Income Support
  • Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
  • Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
  • The Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit

...we ignore any savings when we work out your benefits.

Less than £16,000?

  • You can claim benefits from us even if you have savings or investments, as long as you have less than £16,000.
  • If you have a partner your capital is added together. Your joint capital must be less than £16,000 to claim.
  • If your capital is more than £6,000 but less than £16,000, your benefits may be affected. The way they are affected depends upon whether you are under 60 or over 60 years of age.

More than £16,000?

  • However you can have more than £16,000 if you are receiving the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit or are claiming second adult rebate.

Under 60 (working age)

  • We add £1 to your weekly income figure for each £250 or part of £250 you have over £6,000. Any amount we have added in this way is shown on your letter.
    • For example: if your savings are £11,325 we would add £3 per week to your income.
    • Any savings under £6,000 are ignored

Over 60 (pension age)

  • We add £1 to your weekly income figure for each £500 or part of £500 you have over £10,000. Any amount we have added in this way is shown on your letter.
    • For example: if your savings are £11,325 we would add £3 per week to your income.
    • Any savings under £10,000 are ignored

More on how we work out your benefit







email icon Email this pageLast modified by: Jon Barnett on 07/12/2009


Contact

Address
North London Business Park (NLBP)
Oakleigh Road South
London
N11 1NP
Phone Number
020 8359 2111
Text Number (SMS)
07781 473279
Fax Number
0871 911 6101
Typetalk
18001 020 8359 2111
Email
benefits@barnet.gov.uk