want to help, not make things worse

trailingspouse

We would like to start sending a monthly allowance to our daughter, as we know money is tight (she is a single mum on a full-time degree course, with a 4 year old.) She's just split up with her daughter's dad, and he's moved out, taking his pay packet with him. They are on reasonable terms, and the split was amicable, but he wasn't earning a lot, and now there's two flats to rent instead of one.

I know she is in receipt of benefits, but I don't like to be too nosey about what she gets, nor do I want her to think that we think she can't manage (we actually think she's doing a tremendous job), but we would like to help. What would be the best way of giving her the money (about £250 per month) so that she doesn't lose any of the benefits she's currently getting? If the money goes as a monthly allowance into her bank account, would she lose out? What if we put it into an account in the grandaughter's name? What if we gave it to her as a lump sum once a year (say at Christmas)? We don't want to do anything dodgy, we don't want her to lose any of the money she's entitled to, but like I say, we just want to help. Any suggestions gratefully received.

BOBS

could you maybe offer to buy her groceries for her ? Or give her gift vouchers for the shops she uses then it wouldnt be money in her bank a/c,

princessdon

Are you sure she is on benefits?

Most uni students are on grants (none means tested) and tax Credits where it wouldn't matter

sorry but if you'd rather give money than buy things you need to ask her so people can give advice.

zaksmum

BOBS wrote: »

could you maybe offer to buy her groceries for her ? Or give her gift vouchers for the shops she uses then it wouldnt be money in her bank a/c,

Brilliant idea BOBS. If you help her out that way nobody can say she's had extra money and not declared it.

fawd1

zaksmum wrote: »

Brilliant idea BOBS. If you help her out that way nobody can say she's had extra money and not declared it.

Absolutely. Find out what supermarket she uses and get her a giftcard for that place with £250 on it. Just get a new one each month. Bit of a faff, but then you're buying her food as opposed to giving her cash.

sweetietot

Some supermarkets do a student/parent card - the parent tops up on their card, the student pays on theirs. Not sure if this could be counted as an account?

trailingspouse

Thanks for the ideas. To be honest, I don't know what she receives in the way of grants/student loan/tax credits/benefits. Like I said, I don't want to be nosey. Her Dad and I are planning to have a conversation with her this weekend suggesting what we'd like to do - should have more details then.

ady_j

I am unsure of the legalities of gifting money to someone receiving benefits, pretty sure it would be frowned on.

However, I'm not sure how anyone would find out about it.

An Asda student shopper card is really two cards: one for the parents and one for students. Both cards are linked together, so parents can add money to the card and automatically top up their son or daughter’s card. Students can then spend the credit on their card on anything they need in Asda stores. Uploading money online or in-store couldn’t be easier. Oh, and one more thing, it’s completely free to use.

https://cards.asda.com/pages/student_card_information

rogerblack

In short - for most benefits any regular payment from friends and family may be viewed as income.
Irregular amounts, at random times are not.

The most trouble-free manner is to never, ever give her cash, but simply pay utility bills and grocery bills directly.

enabledebra

There is nothing wrong with helping out a relative on benefits but if it looks like there is a reliable and regular source of assistance meeting basic living costs it could be counted as income. Far better to buy for her on an ad hoc basis than to put money regularly into her account.

niftythrifty33

Sorry no advice to give but I just wanted to say I think what you're doing is great. It will mean she can carry on studying and not have as much pressure. She's very lucky to have you both as parents, you are doing a fab job