Moving from tax credits to uc and savings

[Scoobysnacks12]

Hello
please can I have some advice from anyone who has already moved over.
Luckily im still claiming tax credits and not been asked to be moved yet but I know it’s coming for everyone soon so wanted advice .
Partner works full time we only get child tax credit ( 450 a month) and child benefit, currently have savings over 16k, but we need to buy a car in the near future so if we budget 15k for that to cover the car, insurance etc our savings will be under 16k and this will not really be savings as will be used for food shopping and bills etc , so will be draining monthly the main savings are to cover the car as we’ve been without many years and managed to save this up.
If we wait and buy a car during the years grace where savings don’t count will that be ok or go against us in any way ?
Also when claiming uc do I need to look for work?
As my partner works full time different shift patterns it’s hard to get something to suit that so we manage and our happy with our set up that I stay at home and he works. We have two children and pay rent no debts etc

many thanks

The rules in UC are about 'Capital'. Generally speaking savings made as a result of accumulating unspent income capitalise in short order - two months? An assertion that capital over £6k, ie the point at which tariff income starts, are not really capital because they'll be spent on food etc won't, in my experience run.

As to spending your savings on a car then what you need to remember is that the issue for DWP/UC is whether you deprived yourself of capital so as to become entitled to benefit or increase your award.

Whether you have done so is a matter for a Decision Maker. My feel is that £15k on a new/newish car suitable for a family of four wouldn't have a sensible DM turn a hair. Even my 7 yo Skoda Fabia Estate is valued at nearly £10k by Motorway.

If you spend it before you're migrated then I doubt it would even be looked at.