Universal Credit and savings

[Smallngrumpy]

I have just taken a loan out for home improvements and this pushes me temporarily over £6000 allowed in my accounts.
I have reported change to UC and been told I have to arrange an appointment to prove my balances.

Is this normal?

I would have thought a loan wouldn't be counted as not really yours. Not sure though but will follow as I may also be in this position.

Anyone had this situation?

Not had this situation but surely if you show all of your finances, where they have come from and what they are for they will
make an assessment based on that. Will you be spending the loan quickly on these home improvements? I would probably be spending the money as quickly as possible on its intended purpose in order to bring the balance down before the review. Put down any deposits with decorators, pre order supplies but ask for them to be delivered when you actually want/need them etc.

Also it’s a sliding scale after £6000 up to £16000 so your UC won’t just stop unless they’re over £16k.

If the loan was advanced for the purpose of making essential repairs or alterations to premises occupied or intended to be occupied as the person's home then it can be disregarded for up to six months. UC Regs 2013 Sch 10 para 15

Alternatively, if you can get enough of the loan out of the door in the same Assessment Period as you received it to get your 'capital' under £6k, then it won't matter anyway.

Trying to sort this appointment out now but its such a farce. I cant speak to person making app, only come through journal or phone via someone who will then contact the person making the app.
Was originally told by an advisor that the loan would be disregarded so no need to report it to them, but didnt trust advice. Seems I was right not to.