Older family members support younger generation through the virus pandemic

YOUNG people have been one of the worst-affected groups from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly in terms of the labour market and mental health outcomes. But it’s their parents and grandparents who are paying the price financially.

5.5 million older family members expect to provide additional financial support to younger members as a direct result Covid-19, according to new research. 15 per cent of the older generation estimate they will provide an additional sum of £353 in financial aid, meaning £1.9billion could be given to younger family members needing financial support through the pandemic

This Covid-specific support comes in addition to regular ongoing financial support provided by older family members.

Over a third (39 per cent) of young adults, around 3.3 million people, receive regular financial support from their older family members and depend on it to cover their monthly outgoings.

Older family members provide on average £113 a month, collectively giving £372million to loved ones each month in the form of regular gifts.

While the majority (31 per cent) say they use monthly gifts to save for ‘big ticket’ items like a housing deposit, over a quarter use it to pay for everyday essentials (29 per cent) and a similar amount to pay their bills (27 per cent).

Despite the significant sums handed out, 80 per cent of older family members who gift money feel it is only natural to provide support to their younger relatives and are more than happy to do so. Of the 50 per cent of adults who have received financial aid from a family member, many have sought further support during this year.

16 per cent have utilised the government furlough scheme, 15 per cent moved back to their family home to live rent free and 13 per cent have taken out a one-off loan.

The trend of younger family members moving back home is becoming more common, with the most recent data from the Office for National Statistics showing that over the last two decades, there has been a 46 per cent increase in the number of young people aged 2034 living with their parents, up to 3.5 million from 2.4 million.

While the majority (62 per cent ) of those who give away money do so knowing they can afford to maintain their current lifestyle, the research suggests that selfless relatives are occasionally making changes to their own finances to meet the expense.

Over a third of those who gift money to family members have made sacrifices in order to do so. Whilst many reported cutting back on some day-to-day spending (31 per cent) in order to gift money, a fifth (21 per cent) admitted they struggled to pay some bills having helped out a loved one.

If you are planning to give money to a family member its important not to lose sight of your own longer-term plan. There is a risk that people could be underestimating what they need to fund a comfortable retirement, and therefore it’s important to gift sensibly.

When gifting, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) stipulates you must be able to maintain your current standard of living from your remaining income to take advantage of tax exemptions and there are tax implications for anything gifted over the £3,000 annual allowance.

Oliver Mellor Dip PFS, BA (Hons)