Gifting money

[66boat66]

My parents are at that age where they want to help out with money but dont want to give me any lump sum (im on UC). They have decided that they want to pay for my weekly food shop instead (id go with them and they would pay for theirs and mine). Things are tight and this will help me hugely. I'm just worried if this would ever be picked up on?

no it won't be picked up on. it's a good idea.

How could it be unless someone followed you to the supermarket every week?

And even if they did, how could they work out which shopping was theirs or yours??

This is a great idea and there is nothing wrong with your parents doing this for you in terms of your UC, and won't be a problem in terms of your parents "estate".

Thanks all. It will certainly make a huge difference to me

Your parents can give you regular money and it not fall foul of tax issues IF it is:

1. excess money from their income after all their bills are paid, and
2. it is paid to your regularly, e.g. every week or month.

The quantum doesn't matter. They could give you £10k a month if it is out of excess income and they do it every month.

As soon as it's a large irregular amount at sporadic intervals it becomes an issue.

So they don't have to be physically present. They could do a standing order (though clearly if it goes into your account then that would impact e.g. benefits or UC)

Sounds a good idea. They could also withdraw cash and hand it over. ☺️

Thank you for the advice. Im going to stick to the shopping as it seems much easier and my parents are happy with this. They said they would rather help when its needed.