UC LCWRA and Savings

[Pau]

Hi everyone just need a bit of advice pls .

I’m claiming UC LCWRA and have some savings, I got a little bit of interest on them a few months back that took me a little over the limit before they start deductions (£6000) . I read somewhere that if you win money you have 12 months before they start deductions ? Is the same true with interest ? I went over by out £18 I think . Just panicking about it .

[noisynoodle]

No it's not the same for interest, it's counted immediately, but £18 won't make much of a difference even if you hang on to it.

[Pau]

Oh thanks noisynoodle , I’m actually way under the deduction limit now because of Xmas and presents . I’m just worried that if they ask for statements and see I was slightly over for a couple of months it might cause an issue?

[nukecad]

The is no deferral if you 'win' money either, I don't know where you heard that?

You may have got it mixed up with if you are sucessful at MR/appeal and get backpay of benefits.
Benefit backpayments can be disregarded, most for 52 weeks, some indefinitely.

Between £6,000 and £6,250 in savings will mean £4.35 will be deducted from UC each month.
It's a bit awkward as it's gone down again but it's probably better to tell them now that it went just over and you hadn't noticed it; and let them take 8 quid or so from your next UC payment.
Better for you to tell them than letting them find out later and start asking questions.

[Pau]

Ok thanks nukecad , I’m sure I read that winnings have a deferral of 12 months somewhere on a forum , not sure if it was this one, maybe I misread it though .

Thanks for the advice and hope everyone has a good Xmas .

[nukecad]

Like I say I think that has somehow got mixed up with 'winning' a MR or an appeal and getting benefits backpaid as a result.

You couldn't realy expect someone who won over £16,000 on the lottery or similar to still be able to claim income related (means tested) benefits for another year after winning.