Does equity release affect benefits?
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In short: Yes. Cash released counts as capital for means-tested benefits. Savings above £10,000 reduce Pension Credit and Council Tax Reduction on a tariff; large lump sums can end entitlement until spent — and deliberate gifting may count as deprivation of capital.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
Pension Credit and Housing Benefit (where still in payment) assess capital strictly. A £40,000 drawdown could eliminate Guarantee Pension Credit until your capital falls below thresholds.
Spending on exempt items — paying off debts, essential repairs — may reduce capital legitimately. Gifting to family can be challenged if the local authority believes you did so to qualify for benefits.
Drawdown facilities let you take money in stages, reducing the capital spike compared with one large release.
Your adviser should model benefits impact before completion. See equity release alternatives guide.
Primary source: gov.uk/equity-release
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