Money gift to relative on pension credit

Jenniefour

I have a relative on pension credit who gets the council tax discount and other related discounts to which she is entitled . She has no savings. She is really struggling, not in good health so not able to work.

I would like to help her financially and I want to know how to give some money to her without in any way affecting her benefits. E.g. are regular payments allowed? A lump sum? 

Many thanks.

flaneurs_lobster

Ten quid a week, in cash, no-one would seriously have a problem with I'd like to think.

Anything much larger given in cash or electronically then yes, it might well have an effect on eligibility for means-tested benefits. 

Rather depends on your, and their, attitude to always following the laws and rules around social benefits.

Jenniefour

Just to add - the relative also has a very modest equity release scheme which pays £4k per annum. 

sammyjammy

If she has and continues to have less than 10k in savings you can gift whatever you like as often as you like.  If her savings were to exceed 10k then she needs to notify DWP.

itsthelittlethings

flaneurs_lobster said:

Ten quid a week, in cash, no-one would seriously have a problem with I'd like to think.

Anything much larger given in cash or electronically then yes, it might well have an effect on eligibility for means-tested benefits. 

Rather depends on your, and their, attitude to always following the laws and rules around social benefits.

I’m sure they can give much more than this, as Sammy Jammy says.

Brie

Would paying one of her bills be possible?  Set up a standing order to pay £100 a month to her energy provider for instance?  Paying money into an account with a shop that she can use for food?

CapricornLass

Is she happy to accept money from you?  Some people might be very upset/offended at the idea.  Have you discussed this with her?  If she is, then move on to discuss how she feels she can be best helped.   If not, then maybe stick to more practical presents - woollies, heated blanket that costs pennies to run, a warm winter coat and good waterproof shoes.

scoobyjones1

Vouchers? Tesco, M&S, Amazon etc...

Jenniefour

sammyjammy - exactly the information I needed, many thanks.

Will keep in mind other helpful suggestions as possible occasional extras as needed/appropriate - but her clear preference and mine is to increase the money. That way she also remains in charge of decisions about how she wants to spend it. 

Thanks to all for the replies.

 

UnsureAboutthis

sammyjammy said:

If she has and continues to have less than 10k in savings you can gift whatever you like as often as you like.  If her savings were to exceed 10k then she needs to notify DWP.

If I may add to your helpful post.
The link below is easy to read and follow IMO, and very helpful.
https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility