Deprivation of capital and universal credit

kc1978

So having had recent experience, deprivation of capital, is where you try and spend , give, hide capital, to allow benefits to continue.

Things like, buying a second car, gifting property. Buying 5 Gucci hand bags.

What is not deprivation is clothing, house hold essentials which may become damaged, equipment due to disability.

Keep all receipts, I added notes as to why. So replacing clothes because I became fat!

New bedding, due to continence issues.

Washing machine which broke

Clearing debts.

They may ask questions but , I had everything to give them.

It meant that even though I had come into a bit of money, with essential spending I went under and was able to continue claiming while having a little saving (all gone now).

I wish I had money to spare each month. I am constantly worried I won't have enough, and often end up alternating missed payments.

Just check if you have any doubts.

kingston

hi thank you for your guidance I have bought some household goods but still need to buy a cooker I know though because of my mental health I don’t go out so it has accumulated and will in about six months reach the threshold then I’ll be in a position where they stop benefits I’ll then have to pay rent council tax etc from my savings before being able to reapply for UC again the rules around deprivation terrify me and am reluctant to spend money in case it’s classed as deprivation but there are things I need still

kingston

so my mental health worker said it would be fine to buy a new cooker as I don’t have one and a new tv as my current one is small and old. Do you think that is acceptable re DoC?

Rosie_Scope

Hi @kingston, I think your mental health worker is right. If you haven't got a cooker in your home, then this shouldn't be seen as deprivation of capital is it's something you need for your day to day life 😊

poppy123456

It will be fine and will not be treated as DoC. As many others have advised, it's fine to spend your money reasonably and this is reasonable.

Ironside1990

I'm saving up some capital for some white goods and furniture for a supported living flat. Everyone here is right. It won't go against you, if you buy clothes and some bedding. It's a basic human right to have clean clothes to wear and somewhere to sleep.

oliverplace7

thanks poppy 👍

kingston

so I have found a cooker online curry’s and with installation and delivery it’s roughly £450 do you think this is a reasonable spend re DoC?

Rachel_Scope

Hi @kingston. A cooker is an essential item to have so it'd be absolutely fine to pay that for it.

OverlyAnxious

Yes, I'd say a cooker of (almost) any cost is perfectly acceptable.

I made the mistake of buying a cheap cooker myself about 3 years ago. It only lasted 18 months before it broke! I'd always recommend buying a more expensive one now.

Kimmy87

I bought a cheap cooker when moving as money was so tight. Regretted it very quickly!

I stuck with it for two years, then when my kitchen was done I bought a mid priced fan oven.

Best oven I've ever had and worth every penny.

Denni33

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/911584#Comment_911584

But what if her bank balance went quite a lot over the £16k and she was still receiving UC or LCWRA and forgot to notify the DWP? Would she be made to pay back everything she'd been paid from the time she went over the £16k?

Kimmy87

There would be a repayment due in that situation yes, with potentially a very small fine.