I have a 78 year old client who's capital is a few hundred quid over £16,000. He would qualify for full HB and CTB if his income was below this upper limit. He has just had his council tax bill. If he paid it in full his capital would drop below £16,000. If he was then awarded full HB and CTB he would get the Council Tax Back. Would this be disregarded in the same way as arrears of benefits?

If anyone has had a situation like this I would be interested to know what happened

Matt Finch
Welfare Rights Leicester City Council

To be in that situation he must be very close to GPC entitlement, is he definitely over the top?

He has a small private pension and this with the tariff income from his capital lift him away from Pension Credit but the higher threshold for HB/CTB means he would qualify if his savings were below £16,000.

If he doesn't pay his Council Tax his daughter has suggested he buys a wide screen tv as is eyesight is deteriorating.