Bank or building society savings should normally be included as savings.

For up to six months you can exclude as savings money from the sale proceeds of your home (so long as you intend to buy another home) and money from insurance claims used to replace or repair.

The following are completely excluded from savings:

• your home
• your business assets
• any life insurance policy which has not been cashed in
• your personal possessions.
• any Social Fund payment
• arrears of certain state benefits
• certain compensation payments