Question on if I have acted within Universal Credit rules

Peter32

I receive Universal Credit and PIP. The PIP primarily due to my mental health affecting my cognitive function.

Two years ago I have been through bankrupcy, in the form of DRO, again primarily due to mental-health and consequent addictions. It was a debt charity that helped put that DRO through, and they helped managed/plan my finances.

Now I have a call with Universal Credit booked this week, with one of their Claim Review Agents, as they've asked to go through my bank statements (which I had sent in to them at their request) during a 60min call.

In recent months, due to my mental health issues feeling worse (cognitively), I have been transferring my monthly Universal Credit payments to my parent's bank-account, so that (A) they can manage my essentials for me such as paying bills and ordering my online groceries shopping, and (B) it makes sure I don't overspend with my tendencies to fall into addictions (i.e. to avoid risk of bankrupcy again).

But…

In doing so, it has come to my attention that I have possibly broken DWP rules by transferring virtually all my Universal Credit money to a family member each month. Which I now have come to realise isn't actually allowed unless I have officially nominated them as an 'appointee' (and so consequently my transferring money to my parent each month may get classed as 'Deprivation of capital'). So it's been a genuine mistake on my part, especially as I was only planning for this to be a temporary arrangement (i.e. for my parent to manage my spending only until my mental-health improved again). And I certainly didn't want to attempt anything that may be deemed fraudulent. I will explain all the above to the Claim Review agent (as to why I've been transferring money to a parent's account each month). And btw my total bank balance is way less than £6000 each month anyway.

But am I likely to be 'sanctioned' for this mistake, even despite my acting in good faith (i.e. I've been transferring my UC funds to my parent's account to avoid running the risk of falling into overspending/bankrupcy again whilst my mental health isn't right)?

I can also provide evidence of discussions with my GP as to fact i've needed my parent to manage my finances for me due to my mental health. And I also have record of emails with that debt charity from a couple of years ago.

So have I acted reasonably enough to avoid being 'sanctioned'? And if I do ask for 'mandatory reconsideration', would it still mean that my next upcoming Universal Credit will get affected regardless?

What should I be prepared to discuss during the call and is there any other evidence/points that I should mention to them?

Thank you in advance.