Received a lot of monetary gifts, will I be alright with UC review?

Aella

I'm on UC and PIP, and have been struggling financially. I made some friends online who, for the past year, have periodically sent me small amounts of money through paypal. This has been multipe people, sending me amounts like £20, £50, £100 or sometimes random amounts like £125.67 if they're in another country, due to currency conversion or whatever. They always wrote in the message box that it's a gift, in case the DWP would see it.

My bank balance is close to zero, I have no savings so I am not worried about being told I have too much money. I'm wondering whether receiving monetary gifts from multiple people over a period of time is OK? Will I get in trouble for that?

Just to be clear, I do know that we're allowed to have up to £6K, I'm not asking if I have too much money. I'm specifically asking if receiving monetary gifts in this way is OK.

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

It is ok to receive gifts like this. You won't get in trouble for it.

But if you ever get reviewed, they will most likely ask why you have so many different small amounts coming in. You can just explain to them as you have done here.

Aella

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1081504#Comment_1081504

Even if the gifts are from random internet people? Won't it be classed as fundraising or something? Also will they actually look at each transaction? Some people are saying we don't have to explain transactions to them.

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1082854#Comment_1082854

They will look at each incoming transaction to make sure you are not earning any money that has not been declared to them. Gifts are ok. Selling personal items is ok.

I am not sure what you mean about fundraising. That term is only for charities. You can't really be fundraising for yourself.

Different people get different experiences with these reviews. Some people believe they have a legal right to refuse to comply with UC on this. Personally I don't agree with them and don't think it is worth the extra stress and hassle of potentially triggering a deeper review. But ultimately each person can make their own choice on that.

Aella

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1082917#Comment_1082917

Do you know how far back they check? People on reddit are saying they wanted to see as far back as the start of the claim, but I thought they only ask for the past 4-6 months?

Chris75_

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1083148#Comment_1083148

I believe 4 months is the standard ask, they may ask for earlier statements if they have any reasons to suspect fraudulent activity.

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1083148#Comment_1083148

As above, they ask for 4 months first. Then they can go back further if they find any problems. There is no limit as to how far they can go back.