Supporting my family back home while on UC

[reda]

Hi, I migrated to Universal Credit after my Child Tax Credit was stopped. I am a full-time worker currently supporting my family back home by sending them £450 to £550 for food and rent. I would like to know if it's okay that I am helping my family while receiving Universal Credit?

[Amber]

What you do with your UC is entirely your choice. Income only becomes capital for UC at the end of the following assessment period (if not used). Once capital, there is deprivation of capital rules ie treating you as having the capital even though you have given it away. I cannot see the deprivation of capital rules applying in your scenario.

[reda]

Thank you for your response. However, I usually withdraw cash from my account and give it to someone in the UK, who then sends the money to my family back home in my local currency, as the exchange rate is better than the bank rate. Therefore, I don't have formal proof of sending money to my family, apart from the references I include, such as 'family back home support'.

As I am new to Universal Credit, I am aware that my case will likely be reviewed after a few months. My concern is that the amount I send to my family — £500 per month — could total £4,000 by the time of the review (for example, after 8 months). Do you think this might be seen as deprivation of capital?