The amount of savings and capital that you and your partner have is taken into account when considering your entitlement to benefit. 

You must declare any savings or capital on your application form.

Savings and Capital

Examples of what is included as savings and capital

• cash
• bank or building society savings
• National savings Certificates
• premium bonds
• ISA's
• stocks or shares
• redundancy payments or other lump sums
• property

When filling in your application form you must also send us proof of any savings or capital you do have.  For example building society statements, copies of share certificates etc.

If you have savings over £16,000 you are not normally entitled to claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit unless you are in receipt of Guaranteed Pension Credit.  If your savings are under £6000 they are not included in the calculation of your entitlement to benefit but will still need to be declared on the application form and proof provided.

The amount of capital and savings you have is then used in the calculation of your claim as follows: for every £250 you have as capital over the £6,000 amount, £1 per week is added onto your income details.

If you or your partner are on Jobseekers Allowance (income based), Income Support, or Guarantee Credit then then you and your partner's income and capital is fully disregarded.