Kin Cooperative is advised by our partners at the Third Sector Accountancy Cooperative.
Bottom line: Contributing to a kin group is the same as giving money to a friend, just in a more organised way, and not necessarily a friend. Money received from a kin group is also treated like a gift from a friend, not income.
Contributions are not taxable because they are freely given, with nothing expected in return, not in relation to a trade, investment or any kind of business or rights to property. **If this is not the case with your group, you may not use Kin Cooperative.
- Will receiving this money reduce my Universal Credit, CT reduction or other benefits or impact my eligibility for PIP, ESA, JSA, or Pension Credit?
In most cases, no, but you should check the rules for personal gifts for each program you are in or applying for. You can start here: https://revenuebenefits.org.uk/ - What about my threshold / allowance?
Some benefits have a threshold (the maximum amount you are allowed in savings / assets) to remain eligible. If money received from your kin group takes you over that threshold for a consistent period of time, it may reduce your benefit allowance or eligibility to receive benefits. - My benefit advisor doesn't understand Kin. What do I do?
Some benefit advisors may not understand financial mutual aid and the long history of savings clubs. Please contact the Kin Cooperative Team if you need support.
Have more question? Get in touch.