I am 72 and have about £30,000. When I die I want this money to help my sister, who is 67, and her son and my brother, who are both unwell and live in sheltered accommodation. Would it be sensible to set up a trust? My concern is that the income from it could prevent the beneficiaries from claiming state benefits.
It’s unlikely that the income generated from £30,000, split three ways, will take your nephew and your brother over the thresholds where they would be no longer entitled to claim state benefits. This of course depends on what other income they have. Your sister’s pension entitlement won’t be affected by additional income from a trust fund. A solicitor will be able to advise you on the most efficient way of doing this and examine other options, depending on the financial circumstances of those involved.