www.iva.co.uk

Hi all.

Looking for a bit of advice again. Just received the income and expenditure form for our annual review. My worry is that our eldest daughter will be going off to university in Reading at the end of September. I was wondering if there is any allowance for this? Obviously we would like to support through her three years, but if she's not living at home during term time, would we lose the allowance for her being at home, even though she would be home during holidays etc., and we would still be supporting her while at uni. She has applied for student finance to cover her course and accommodation, but this may not cover her entirely. I'm a bit worried that we will not be able to offer her any financial support at all if we lose any of our allowances because of her not being at home.

Hope this makes sense!!

Hi there, I asked a similar question a couple of weeks ago. My IP is Melanie, and she is very pro university and our youngsters making the most of this opportunity, and she advised me that she would do her best for me during the time that my son goes next year. Obviously I can't speak for all IP's but if you ask, I am sure they will look favourably at it, as I don't see why our children's future should suffer because of our mistakes.

Let us know how you get on.

Kazzy

University is tough for most families irrespective of the iva so don't beat yourselves up about not being able to help as much as you would like. I'd suggest speaking to your IP and asking your daughter to find a part time job to help as well.

She realises that she will need to get a part time job, irrespective of whether we are able to help out or not. Reading has a good student services department which helps students find work.

You are fortunate that Reading has a booming economy compared with other places. Finding a part time job there should not be an issue for her.

I'm afraid we weren't able to help our daughter at all. She had to fund herself througj a combination of ztudent loans and a part time job. She managed ok in the end. I think it did help that she lived at home

My daughter goes in 2012 and it's a scary thought, having Melanie as an IP I know she'll do her best by us in respect of the IVA. Have a chat with your IP as others have suggested and hopefully they'll advise accordingly.

For my own clients, I am perfectly happy for the child related allowances to continue whilst a child is in further education. I have seen three of my own kids through that route, and I know how expensive it is to provide that support.

Contact me directly on this if you like Davram.

That sounds great Melanie, thank you. I'll drop you a note.