UC review - over 16k childs savings

[Gabbygirl]

I need advice, i am so worried and stressed!

I have been asked to submit 4 months bank statement for a UC credit review. At first, I had absolutely no worries. I was talking to a mum at the school about it and she said to make sure that i upload my children's savings account as she had too due in her review.

I said to her that i didn't think they was included in my UC claim as they are children's savings accounts, in their own name. She said if I had access to them ( which of course i do, i set them up!) then they are included in my capital.

I rushed home and i've been doing some online research and the information is confusing but it does look like she is right.I can't believe i have let this happen.

I have gone through all my bank statements/uc payments and if my math's is correct i have been overpaid over £14,000 in the last 5 years.
( Any month over £16,000 savings i have calculated to owe back in full, any month over £6,000 but under £16,000 i have done £4.35 for every £250??)

Between nov 2025 and July 2020 - there is 11 months i was over the 16k and should of not got anything and besides 4 months, every other month the savings was inbetween £6000 and £15,999.

( I have some savings myself between £2,000 and £5,000 over the 5 years. I never included my children's savings, so depending how much i had, would take me over the 16k at times but not constant)

I feel sick with worry and i feel so guilty that such a stupid mistake can have a massive affect on my children and our home life. I am a single mum to 3 children and the thought of being taken away from breaks my heart. I know i have made a mistake and it is not fair for tax payers to have to pay for my mistake. I know i need to pay it all back and make everything, I am just so scared and i just don't know how.

I don't expect sympathy, this is my mistake and i need to handle it but any advice would be hugely appreciated.

It wouldn't change my opinion. The amount is irrelevant - the inheritance is theirs, not OP's. And I find it staggering that some parents on here would actually have no problem with stealing their DC's money (or, at least, think OP should).

No, but you did write "I'm gutted that my taxes have been going towards your kids savings. But there we are."
OP's told us she's worked ever since her eldest child was 7 months old, so she's a tax payer too.
She's also told us that each of her DC has £4k in their savings accounts comprised of:

• £2.5k inheritance from GP,
• £1k Christmas/Birthday present money from family members, and
• £500 from OP over the last five years i.e. £100pa per child or £1.92pw per child - you resent OP giving each of her DC this modest sum each week, do you?

People like you would be the first to jump on OP if she was wasting her UC on the 'latest tech, fashion, hair and nails' but she's doing quite the opposite, being careful with her income and demonstrating good money management. You can't have it both ways. In short, your taxes have sweet FA to do with what OP's DC have in their savings, so "get off your high horse. Idiot."

Then no need for you to feel “gutted” that the OP has managed to save £500 for her kids over the last 5 years. Glad I was able to make you feel better.

If part of your child's savings were left as inheritance then the money can't be used by you even if you have access to their accounts. This would be theft on your part if they were named beneficiaries in your Nans will. Also if the other money they have has been given as gifts to them again, it's not your money so you can't use it. Go speak with a Solicitor to clarify it for you. You can usually have a free half hour consultation. I cant imagine their savings can be included as your income if it's been inherited or gifted to your children.

Hey,

What was your outcome?

Hi
I submitted the child’s savings bank statements and they were disregarded. I had a phone call on the 16th. They didn’t even ask me about them.

I had to get a letter from school/nursery to confirm I am their primary care giver and that they live at my address. Within 10 mins of providing these I got a message in my journal saying ‘ review is complete and no changes to my UC entitlement.’

I’ve been worried sick for months. Take everything you see on here with a pinch of salt. My phone call lasted 10 mins, they asked about 4 transactions and 1 cash withdrawal

So pleased to see your update. I posted previously as couldn't see that you had done anything wrong and am glad to have been proven correct! I hope all goes well for you and your family.

Thank you for being so kind!!!
wishing you all the best ❤️