Universal Credit - Do I need to declare gifted money?

[sconenotscon]

I was made redundant in March so started claiming Universal Credit. My partner is still in work but as we live together we made a joint claim. Times are very tough, so my partners grandmother has kindly offered to gift us £1000 to help with household costs/clear some debts and generally make our situation more manageable whilst I’m job searching. This is a one off payment and she isn’t requesting that we pay her back.

Should I declare this to HMRC? I’m not sure where we stand as it’s a gift from a family member but I don’t want to get myself into any trouble!

Thanks

Don't tell them. See it as her paying your bill for you. Same thing.

This is classed as a voluntary payment and does not need to be declared unless it will take your savings over £6000. If it takes them over £6000, you need to declare the savings (not the voluntary payment).