Can universal credit check how much savings I have?

[JoanWilder1]

Do I have to declare the amount of savings I have or does universal credit just check them every month?

I agree, and costs money in the long run - you’re typically entitled to more UC when renting vs if you have a mortgage. If the government allowed people to save for a deposit and buy a house they would cost less in UC.

They would rather pay off landlords mortgages ( through rent element of Uc ) than enable the average claimant to buy their own home. It keeps their rich landlord mates richer.

I always wonder this, have a friend on universal credit, who also talks about having a large settlement from a divorce which she plans to use as a deposit on a house - I've often wondered how that's allowed (wouldn't say anything though, she's a bit terrifying so I'll stay well out of it)

If she uses it immediately as a deposit for a house, then she'll likely not get into trouble, although she does need to declare it.

If she holds onto it, then she will get in trouble if found out.

Coming into money and using for house deposit doesn't count as deprivation of assets but DWP wants to be the judge of that when you declare.

It's allowed because she's not hiding or taking advantage of having those savings. She's using them to house herself.

They would rather pay off landlords mortgages ( through rent element of Uc ) than enable the average claimant to buy their own home. It keeps their rich landlord mates richer
Or taxes accrued from landlords self assessment are worth more than what they lose by people on housing element of UC going on to become home owners.

A lot or working people are in receipt of UC, in cheaper areas where you can by a place for say £100k why should you not buy a home ?

Why should people who claim benefits not declare their savings, when people who work can’t afford to save, after paying their mortgage/rent, bills, etc …ridiculous to say that benefit claimants shouldn’t have to declare saving as the might be saving to buy a house, surely to buy a house you wouldn’t pass the affordability check if you survived on benefits!

Plenty of people receive UC and work. Particularly if you live in an area with lower house prices you may still be able to get a big enough mortgage, and mortgages are typically cheaper per month than rent.

For example someone may get ESA and have a partner who works. Why should they not be able to get a mortgage and buy a house just because they’re too unwell to work? See also people with disabled children etc

Not sure. However, I know someone who went bankrupt some 10 years ago, and they got away without an IPA (I think that's what it was called - an income payment agreement,) to pay so much towards back after the bankruptcy. They never had an IPA as they had £1800 a month income and £1800 outgoings (roughly.) So no surplus income.

About 6 months later they came into some money (I won't say how or what, but it was about five thousand pounds,) and they never declared it to the official receiver/court. It went into the bank and they just drew it out as cash the same day. As I said, it was ten years ago, and nothing ever came of it. No-one ever checked.

They also had 4 private pensions between them, just tiny ones, worth about £75 a month or so each when they are allowed to have them, and they never took them either, so I don't think the receiver did the job that well!!! The five thousand made their lives after bankruptcy a lot easier, but it was a risk not declaring it.

How much is it @JoanWilder1 ? Your savings I mean...

@Throwncrumbs

Employment rate for people on Universal Credit was 41% in June 2022. Universal Credit is available to people on a low income as well as those who are out of work.

From the gov.uk website. Thought it might be interesting for you!

@Throwncrumbs

Why should people who claim benefits not declare their savings, when people who work can’t afford to save, after paying their mortgage/rent, bills, etc …

Many benefit claimants work

I think they can if they are investigating a claimant for fraud.

www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/dwp-could-monitor-your-bank-25250240

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Claiming benefit and working aren't mutually exclusive. There are different kinds of benefits.

I don't know why people act like it's the opposite.

Fraudulent landlords are a huge concern for DWP too. Housing costs are massively subject to fraud, serious and organised crime gangs target UC for the housing element