Receiving regular cash gifts whilst on benefits?

Purpleleaf

Hi, do any of you know if recieving regular monthly gifts of around £40 would affect entitlement to housing and council tax benefit. The montly money is direct to bank from a parent. Does this need to be declared? Benefit claimant is in his early 40s, extremely low self employed income claiming max tax credits.
Thanks.

pmlindyloo

Purpleleaf wrote: »

Hi, do any of you know if recieving regular monthly gifts of around £40 would affect entitlement to housing and council tax benefit. The montly money is direct to bank from a parent. Does this need to be declared? Benefit claimant is in his early 40s, extremely low self employed income claiming max tax credits.
Thanks.

From a previous question about this our resident 'housing officer' has said that gifts are not taken into account.

However, the council would probably need evidence that this is a gift (which can easily be verified by the person who gifted it and /or records of the transfer).

Some people advise that gifts such as these are better given directly to the person or given in the form of vouchers etc. This way it saves a lot of hassle if you are claiming benefits.

HappyMJ

Purpleleaf wrote: »

Hi, do any of you know if recieving regular monthly gifts of around £40 would affect entitlement to housing and council tax benefit. The montly money is direct to bank from a parent. Does this need to be declared? Benefit claimant is in his early 40s, extremely low self employed income claiming max tax credits.
Thanks.

If asked about regular monthly gifts from family/friends then yes you must declare it. It probably won't affect the benefit entitlement but you must always declare anything that they ask for.

specialboy

Ask your parent to add the cash onto an Asda shopping card, saves any problems.

Purpleleaf

Thanks for the replies. Its something his dad has always done via direct debit to his bank. Prob wouldnt want the hassle of going and buyi g and posting vouchers.

I was concerned it would be classed as income as its so regular. Thanks for the replies everyone.

zzzLazyDaisy

Income from voluntary sources such as friends or family, are disregarded for benefits purposes

http://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/benefitscharity.aspx

However, evidence will be required to show that these payments are indeed charitable or voluntary payments.

Personally I would second the suggestion of cash payments or even assistance in kind such as an online supermarket delivery - not out of a wish to defraud the benefits system, since such payments are allowed anyway, but as a way of avoiding the stress of having to produce evidence and/or the worry of being investigated.