A new case had highlighted an important matter which faces beneficiaries in respect of their inheritance.
The case, which ended up in Court, involved David Lyttelton, son of jazz musician Humphrey Lyttelton, who inherited part of his father’s estate under the terms of his Will.
Despite his financial circumstances improving he continued to claim income support and council tax benefit without declaring the inheritance to the Department of Work and Pensions.
In six months he had falsely claimed £4100 in benefits and the magistrates have ordered him to repay the amount, along with costs, and carry out 80 hours of community service.
This follows a previous case which reached court earlier this month in which a woman claimed £15,000 of benefits that she was not entitled to after receiving £50,000 under the terms of a Will.
For those working in Wills and Probate it is important to advise recipients of an inheritance correctly in respect of their entitlement to benefits.
