IVA-Does Disability Living Allowance count as income

Bonaimee

Hi,

My husband and I are currently considering an IVA. I am unemployed and receiving incapacity benefit and Disability Living Allowance. When calculating our monthly payment, is the IP allowed to take my DLA into consideration? Please can anyone help????

Thanks

serenity34_2

Hi, firstly I would say it's very difficult to give someone the best advice without knowing all of their circumctances ( level of debt, assets, income, essential outgoings etc )

DLA as an income is a non means-tsted benefit and is meant to help with expenses related to someone with a particular illness / condition / disability. Generaly speaking it should be up to the client to decide whether they want to use some or all of this income towards debt repayments.

A standard strategy is to include it in your budget as an income so you are being open and honest. Then deduct the whole amount out again under something like 'DLA costs'. So they are 'allowed' to take it into account but you can refuse.

Depending on how much your husband earns and your level of debt please be sure that an IVA is the bst option for your circumstances. If you haven't done so already speak to an independent FREE advice charity like National Debtline on 0808 808 4000. Or post some more information here so that we can be a bit more specific. Depending on your overall circumstances and type / level of debt there may be other choices you can consider.