they insisted DLA was included as my income

[nikky]

Just a quick one! I receive DLA for my severely disabled son. In the past this went into a separate bank account, to be used for things my son needs because of his disabilities (nappies (he's 10), bedding, clothing, specialist childcare etc.

When i entered into IVA last year, they insisted that this amount was included as my income, which i didn't feel was right?

[MelanieGiles]

Hi nikky

I am afraid that this sum is correctly classed as income, however you should make sure that you have included all of the expenditure items you refer to on the other side - as in reality that is what the money is being paid to you for.

Are you struggling to make the payments, or do you just feel that this should not have been included?

Regards, Melanie Giles, Insolvency Practitioner for over 20 years.

For further details contact me at http://www.melaniegiles.com and view my IVA blog at: http://melaniegiles.blogs.iva.co.uk

[freelili]

I had the same experience as you with my kids DLA but the IP let me take for special things that I needed and was very fair. For instance I do much more washing (sheets) and was allowed extra. Just remember to include all the little things that you do (extra and the cost involved) everyday that someone else (without the special needs child) wouldnt. It will surprise you.

ie gloves (well i did nick mine from work but..) Sterilising fluid, hand gel, etc etc etc. And the tumble dryer being on more often, you know, right?

Good luck, I hope you make it.

LILY

I asked God for a solution and have to live with his reply.

[MelanieGiles]

I'm glad you mentioned the washing Lily!

I had clients with me this afternoon with exceptionally high electricity and gas expenditure of £175 per month for a family of four in a modest semi. They were able to provide evidence of this from the actual bills, and actually said that they had queried the amounts with their supply company as they felt that they were being overcharged.

Following a survey of their usage, it was found that washing machines and tumble dryers really eat up the electricity. If you have children, and your machines are constantly on, do make sure that you fully provide for this expenditure.

Regards, Melanie Giles, Insolvency Practitioner for over 20 years.

For further details contact me at http://www.melaniegiles.com and view my IVA blog at: http://melaniegiles.blogs.iva.co.uk

[freelili]

Melanie

My electric bill is 115 per month, thats the washing and the dryer, I had mine checked out also.

LILY

I asked God for a solution and have to live with his reply.

[jamesfalla]

Nikky

As Melanie says, if you are considering an IVA, all household income must be included and this means DLA for any member of the household. Your IP will normally offset this extra income with justified additional expenditure required to care for the person in need.

The important point is that when doing an IVA, all income and expenditure must be disclosed to give all parties the best information with which to make a decision

James Falla

Expert in IVA, Bankruptcy and informal Debt Management solutions for over 10 years.

For more information visit www.jamesfalla.com and visit my blog at: http://jamesfalla.blogs.iva.co.uk

[Oliver]

I agree with all the previous posts. You must make sure that you account for all household expenditure in your budget. You will be allowed higher than average costs if you can prove that they are reasonable. Clearly everything that has been mentioned above is reasonable and would therefore be allowable in your budget.





Best Regards
Oliver

Thomas Charles and Co Ltd.
Experts in personal debt solutions.
Read customer feedback at: www.thomascharles.com/about_us.asp

[MAY2006]

Hi Nikky,
My sons DLA was not included in my IVA at all by my IP.
This money is for your sons personal care it should not be used for anything else, if they do insist on taking it into account, make sure as Lily states that you account for every penny back as expenditure.

Can you not get free Nappies? Over the age of 3 if not clean kids are classed as incontinent and you should be able to get free nappies from your local baby/child clinic

[freelili]

I got free nappies also.

LILY

I asked God for a solution and have to live with his reply.