I'm with IVA since January this year. I will be make redundant in September ( maybe August) I've already told my IP. I also found out im pregnant. Baby's due 20th January. If I'll start claim JSA and Maternity Allowance later on will Iva take my redundancy money? And also father of the child offered me £100 weekly to support me and unborn child. Am i allowed to keep the money or is it better to open new bank account and keep money there for rainy days?
One thing at a time: Redundancy --- the usual practice is that you are allowed to keep the same amount as 6 months income from redundancy money and the rest ( if any) goes into the IVA. You carry on making normal IVA payments until you find work.
Baby -- Congratulations ! --- most IPs seem to not want to do anything until baby is almost here. At that time you will need to re-do all of your income and expenses to work out a new IVA payment, as everything will change !
Money from father: In theory, this should be declared as income, if it is going to be regular and it will be offset, of course, by some of the expenses it is being paid for. If it is an informal arrangement and the father gives you £100 cash each time, some people could be tempted to say nothing and keep it in a tin somewhere.
It is possible, especially if the father's money is not declared, that your disposable income while on benefits, might be too low to keep the IVA going, so you should be prepared for that and research the alternatives ( Bankruptcy, Debt Relief Order or a Debt Management Plan). One of those might even be better anyway.
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
