Universal credit and cash withdrawals

kingston

I recently had a UC claim review and they asked about cash withdrawals, I’m now worried every time I draw cash out, I withdraw about 100 a week for groceries, going out with friends etc, do you think this is reasonable, I am just worried about withdrawing cash now

Kimi87

Withdrawing cash from your account is allowed and you are doing nothing wrong.

I've had a review and know they are horribly intrusive. But you shouldn't feel bad in any way about accessing your own money in cash.

Girl_No1

I'm really worried about this, withdrawing cash.

The person I'm helping migrate to UC is in their 60s and is completely old-school in attitudes to money/banks. They do not trust direct debits/standing orders. They need to know how much they have, and if it isn't cash, it doesn't count so far as they are concerned.

They like to know (see) how much money they have, and to know what they are handing over to pay for things.

They do everything in cash, including council tax.

I now pay their utilities through online accounts from my bank account for them, and they give me cash in return. I started doing this because they were "forgetting" to pay phone, electricity etc. I don't believe they were forgetting at all, it was more likely because waiting in the PO queue to pay was painful and frustrating them.

I also order/pay for their online grocery shops too, as well as picking up smaller grocery requirements on an ad hoc basis. Again, all reimbursed by cash.

I expect they are going to be heavily interrogated because they take out every penny available to them in cash. 😔

I'm hopeful that as I don't receive any means-tested benefits no one will query why I spend an extraordinary amount for groceries, electricity, and phones!

kingston

yes, because they questioned my cash withdrawals I am now worried every time I draw cash, but sometimes I prefer cash to using my card