I have a uc review and I'm a gambler

lauraace2012
lauraace2012 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Connected

hi I'm so worried I gambler a lot, I been asked to send in 4 month bank statements for a review on one month it says 48,000 in and then out end balance left in there 1.00 or I'm over drawn I'm so worried it's I deposit 30 then win 50 I put it back on and so fire so it's always bank and fore and I transfer for my saving out bank in what I win to saving get back on and so on it look so bad I never won any over 3000 at once never had over 6000 on one balance before help please I can't sleep can't eat it's all I'm thinking about

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Comments

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,797 Championing

    Hi,

    We see similar questions asked quite often. UC understand that some people have problems managing money or with gambling. It doesn't usually cause any problems for these reviews. Just tell them the truth as you have done here.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,158 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @lauraace2012. As long as you do not have over £6,000 in your accounts at the end of the assessment period you will be fine. As Overly has said, be truthful with them, as being dishonest could cause issues in the future.

    Do you feel that your gambling is well-managed?

  • Yani09
    Yani09 Online Community Member Posts: 77 Empowering

    If it is a gambling problem then seek help. It is a difficult thing to stop but in the end you will feel better without the stress. If you don’t feel it has took control of you and know your limit then ignore my post. I have seen lives ruined and consumed by gambling. There is a way out.

  • Biblioklept
    Biblioklept Online Community Member Posts: 638 Trailblazing

    In the most well meaning and gentle way possible, if you've had months where you've won and lost over £40,000 in a single month, you really need to get some help with your gambling

    https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/gambling-addiction/

    https://www.gambleaware.org/

    there's absolutely no judgement from me, I know many people who gamble and from my experience talking to them I know it's often a symptom of a wider issue, often emotional, please get help with whatever you're going through, not least becaue you don't want to stress and worry about these reviews with UC but also because your life is important ❤️

  • lauraace2012
    lauraace2012 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Connected

    aww thank you all so much this has been eating me up I'm not coping at all, I've done GameStop has soon has I seen my bank statements, it's just seeing it all on there I'm disgusted with myself and worry I'm gonna be in trouble and stop my claim

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,158 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Do you have any mental health support at the moment @lauraace2012? I'm sorry you're disgusted with yourself. Try not to be too hard on yourself, this could be the turning point for you now you've seen it on your bank statements. It's very easy to get involved in something and go too far.

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Online Community Member Posts: 9,559 Championing

    Alot of people have gambling addiction im trying to stop my spending im terrible with money i have no impulse control so understand the anxiety I've read a couple of posts regarding gambling and the same concerns people was upfront does your GP know your struggles he could write a letter you dont need them to but I did speak to my psychiatrist and she said she would be willing to write me a letter I went into melt down when I was applying for uc

  • lauraace2012
    lauraace2012 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Connected

    no I have none a min, I just too afraid to send these in I know I have to, I'm just scared, I have kids has well and thought of having my claim stopped and being trouble I've done this to my poor kids I just wish it could be all over thank you

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,158 Scope Online Community Coordinator
    edited January 25

    It might be good to get in contact with your GP as Catherine has said. They'll be able to get you some support. They won't stop your claim as long as you don't have over £16,000 in your accounts.

    If you want to stop gambling you can block gambling payments through your bank. Here's some information https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/page/i-want-to-know-how-to-block-gambling-transactions .

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 8,560 Championing

    The limit for capital with Universal Credit is £16,000 those are the circumstances where your claim would be stopped if you had more than that amount.

    Under £6000 they aren't interested.

    £6000-£15,999 a small deduction would be made for every £250 or part thereof over £6000.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,158 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Ah yes, the limit is £16,000 @Kimi87. I've edited my comment.

  • lauraace2012
    lauraace2012 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Connected

    thank you all so much for all your advise

  • merlidimus
    merlidimus Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener

    I don't see anyone addressing the real issue... that our private lives should not be under such microscopic scrutiny.

    If people are legitimately under suspicion of fraud, then so be it, I agree they should have their bank accounts investigated.

    But we have a right to a private and family life (Article 8 Human Rights Act).

    The OP has a gambling addiction and hopefully they resolve those issues.

    But what's to stop that information being logged, analysed, and later down the line government policy (might be a completely different government) says gambling addicts are no longer entitled to UC or some other restrictions imposed.

    And this could apply to literally anything, alcohol is another probable target. Someone who spends their money on **** "content"?

    I'm trying to think outside of the box, but who wants their every penny, and therefore their whole life, laid bare for people who make decisions to scrutinise?

  • justmeandthee
    justmeandthee Online Community Member Posts: 36 Contributor

    I had yet another review that was initiated in Dec and just finalised. Couldn't have been more straightforward so no idea why it took so long.

    I was questioned why I had a refund from TK Maxx in Nov 🤷 I could only assume something was purchased for my child or myself that didn't fit. It would have been obvious that I'd also made a purchase at TK Maxx prior to the refund.

    I was also questioned why the local council had paid me a sum of money. I had to actually explain what the household support fund was and that it wasn't something I applied for, it's allocated depending on which group the council decides to help.

    I accept that I have to send in bank statements but it's beyond intrusive to question why a shop has given me a refund. Maybe we will be deemed as having excess income if we can afford to clothe our children!!

    To be fair he was actually an ok person, polite, courteous and personable but the questions crossed a line for me. I seem to just finish one review then another starts. It's stressful and never seems to go away. I am nowhere near the 6k savings limit and do not have money from other sources going into my account so it should not be this intrusive.

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Online Community Member Posts: 9,559 Championing

    It is an over reach i totally agree alot of us get pip for reasons of not being able to budget alot of us have no impulse contol due to mh and seems you get punished for it honestly im glad i gave up smoking and drinking as i can see any items like this being stopped in near future i will be dreading my uc review whenever ot comes