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Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 10:52 pm
by Christine.68
I live solely on benefits as income. Income Support, Child Tax Credits, Child Benefit, Carers Allowance,Housing Benefit, DLA for 2 children. Which of the above benefits is used as income calculation for a Debt Relief Order ?
Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 10:55 pm
by kazzafunk
I'm afraid I don't know but I would hazard a guess that the DLA is taken into account then disregarded if ut can be shown to be used for additional expenses. If you get Housing Benefit then I presume you own no other property? If not, have you considered bankruptcy? I think you can get a discount if in receipt of certain benefits.
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 8:28 am
by Shining
Hi Christine and welcome to the forum, I'm afraid I can't answer your question either but feel it's worth you hanging around for one of our knowledgeable experts who may be able to. x
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 8:32 am
by kallis3
Welcome from me as well.
All of your benefits will be taken into account as income but some, such as the DLA can be offset as kazzafunk says.
Depending upon your level of debt and disposable income once your priority bills have been paid you could consider a debt relief order.
Speak to a professional though - visit
www.iva.com for a list of companies and reviews and give one or two a ring for some free and impartial advice.
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 9:27 am
by Broke of London
Professional advice is definitely the way forward and Jan's link is a good place to find a few people to talk to. It may help to work out your total income and expenditure as a starting point and tally up your debt so the advisor has a few figures to work with. Good luck X
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 11:33 am
by badger
Hi Christine,
I don't know the definitive answer but I doubt any government body would calculate that you had ANY disposable income from state benefits alone - and I'm sure if needs be you could offset all of your 'income' against very reasonable expenses. If you BR for example you would not pay into an IPA since your only income is benefits.
You can gain some more solid free advice from your local CAB, CCCS or even the insolvency service direct.
If your debts at under £15K and you have no assets (excluding a pension) then I'm sure you would be eligible for a DRO
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 11:47 am
by kallis3
How much are your debts Christine?