Universal credit and spending on luxuries

[Paulajane40]

Savings between 6-16k so have deductions , is it ok to use around 2k - 2.5k of savings to buy luxury items for big birthdays and big events eg eldest finishing GCSE.
Eg Tiffany , Gucci . All bills are paid and no other major outgoings for those months . I worry as some say your not allowed to spend on big purchases etc
doing so will still keep me above 12k so will have deductions still which I’m fine with

0 out of ten for being a goody government bot

Spend it all, and you'll end up with a load of overpriced tat.

Your money. Spend it on what you want.

Why are you asking? Do what you want. You don't need permission, hth.

If you're reviewed for some reason and it's noticed; it'll be assessed by someone who decides if it was a reasonable cost. If it's determined not to be, it'll be considered deprivation of assets, and you'll be treated as if you still had that money.

Nobody here can say if it would be considered deprivation of assets, but I'd expect it probably would, if you're reviewed. Prepare accordingly.

Yeah, not Tiffany.

You could send the surplus money to a food bank. After all people relying on them could be in the same boat as you. Having spent all their money on Mulberry handbags.

Have you bought a flat screen TV yet?

Seriously

This is why I choose not to be on UC. I've got 12K in savings and like the freedom of being able to add to/spend as i please without the fear of interference and fines from the government. My freedom is worth so much more than the measly top up I'd recieve for being poorly paid.

I don’t think you’re allowed to spend a lot of money on something that’s unreasonable spending. But you could buy a washing machine, a car, that sort of thing.

And there was I thinking benefits were for those who need help.

But if you're looking for ways to spend money that won't be seen as deprivation of capital, have you considered sending your children to lessons for a particular sport (maybe one with lots of kit?) and an instrument? That will add up and money spent on education is never wasted

If you spend savings in a way that is deemed unreasonable then you could be accused of deprivation of assets. Not sure how you could justify 2.5k on designer bags as anything other than unreasonable when you expect government help to pay your bills?

@nahthatsnotforme benefits are also there to top up stagnant low wages during a COL crisis. Id redirect some anger at the greedy employers.

Low enough to have spare cash for extravagant luxuries? Don’t make me laugh

@nahthatsnotforme it is possible to have savings and be on a low income. How many of us choose roles post children that pay less but fit around school hours?

You spend it as you wish.

And how many employers pay less than they should because they expect UC top ups to make up the shortfall?

You will never convince me that benefits are needed by someone who is considering purchases from Tiffany or Gucci.

You don't understand what deprivation means.

It's not about what you spend it's about intent.

Tiffany is definitely not what it used to be…so tacky

surely it’s possible gif someone to have had to change jobs/reduce hours/other life circumstances that would warrant UC claim abc still have savings? You are aware that UV allows saving of up to 6k with no penalties and then a £4.35 deduction from claim for every £250 iver £6k up to £16k yes?

Savings for day to day needs, home repairs, white good, a simple holiday even. But for Tiffany or Gucci. Nope

All fur coat and no knickers springs to mind.