Where do I find information about amounts to claim? We have a budget which was set 3.5 years ago and I'm not sure if we claim for everything or even claim enough. At the moment for a family of 4 our food and household budget is £400. Really interested in knowing if I can claim the cost of feeding my 2 dogs and 2 cats. Also we were adviced that I needed to get life insurance due to mortage shortfall can I claim for this?
Your case worker should be able to help you complete the income and expenditure. However, the CCCS guidelines allow £471 for a family of four and £21 for pets. Life insurance is normally allowable if it covers the mortgage so there are definitely extra items to claim.
These changes alone would save over £100 per month and would certainly make your monthly payments much more affordable. You will need to speak to your IP firm because if claiming these allowances reduces your IVA payments below the original level when the IVA started it would require a variation.
thank you for your help. Does anyone provide a definitive list of what the industry standards are on amounts you can claim? Our IP is great but ever seems willing to share this information.
The CCCS do not like their guidelines published but your IP will be able to advise what is allowed and what is not. Ask them for a copy or redo the whole I&E based on what is acceptable at this time. Given that your IVA is coming up to the fourth anniversary there have been changes since it began.
