It sometimes pays to run your equity down to the point at which you do qualify for HB and CTB. You need to be discrete how you do it, but if you decide to move to anew property, carpets, curtains and furniture would be reasonable expenditure, as would replacing your car and a couple of holidays, but avoid world cruises costing £20,000 or more .
If you prefer to let your equity run down slowly over the years then you can claim HB and CTB as soon as you qualify.
You can get a bigger flat than one bedroom, and get HB etc, but you will be expected to pay from your income the rent attributed to the extra bedroom(s).
90th birthday mini hamper ideas!
Pre Warning re Tonight’s Eastenders