Hi, my name is lennycat26! Worried about going over UC savings thresholds

lennycat26

hi just looking for some advice please , I was left my dads house that I was living in anyway, it’s now got too big and I can’t manage anymore I have fibromyalgia and arthritis in my spine . I have just sold the house and I move on Monday to a bungalow. My estimate is there will be £15,200 ish left after every thing is taken out , I also have been able to put £1500 away for removals which have come in at £850 I’ve also got paid on the 17 th I get uc and limited work capacity benefit. I am now worrying that this has / will put me over the thresholds .
The bungalow needs some work came up in the survey the boiler was old also there are a few windows that need replacing and the bathroom only has a bath and I need a shower . Can anyone offer any advice please thanks

Rod_Leach1947

I sympathise. Though retired for some years I have to leave my home to raise funds for reconstructive surgery on my cervical spine and torn ligaments in my shoulder. Currently I do not qualify for benefits being a widower with savings, but I'd like to know if you succeed in negotiating the benefits system. [Removed by moderator - for everyone’s safety, we don’t allow personal details such as email addresses to be shared]

Rosie_Scope

Hi @lennycat26, hope your move went well!

You will need to let UC know that you have the money and your UC payments will likely be reduced for the time that it still sits in your account. Unfortunately, if you do go over £16,000, this will usually mean your claim is closed.

It may be worth having a conversation with a benefits adviser who can look at all the sums with you and work out the best way forward: https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

For UC, it only matters what savings you have on the last day of the assessment period. So if you're going to spend some of that £15k on repairs within the next couple of weeks then you'll probably be ok.

Also worth noting that your UC payment counts as income when it is first paid, so that should not be included as savings yet. (Any unspent UC changes to savings at the end of the next assessment period).

lennycat26

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1077227#Comment_1077227

hi , thanks for the message , moving day was hectic but went ok , I am in pain now and living off pain meds but we knew that would happen . I did let uc know yesterday I told them everything and told them the changes that I need to make in the bungalow most off it came up in the survey anyway. Last owner also took the light bulbs , smoke alarms lampshades and curtains, so they all need replacing now , had to pay my friend to help as he had to take unpaid leave , and removes my kids also got some mates to help lift stuff as I can’t , gave them some money , been in contact with old bills from old place , there are some that sent my final bill so theses ned paying etc . I guess I just have to wait to see what u c say x