SOA Advice

freddy911

alastairq wrote: »

OK, here goes.......given that your Ex might be insolvent , she needs to contact one of the Debt Advice charities [CAB, etc]...who will go through her options with regards to resolving any debt situation. There may be other options to BR?


regarding proposed SOA?
Is internet access included [broadband, for example?]

Clothing seems high......

Also, childcare may be queried , if as you state, you care for them if ex works shifts...? [I have the same situation.....]

Yes broadband included with phone, as for childcare I only have them if she is on nights, during the day im at work so nursery care is required.

I will make sure she gets independant advice, I just wanted to show her it wont be as bad as what she thinks, so at least she will consider the option and get the advice.

Thanks for your opinion.

freddy911

skylight wrote: »

So - the amount of the tax credits you have listed is TC plus childcare? Or just the TC portion of the claim??


Tax credits normally pay around 70% of childcare. You should list the full amount of TC she gets and the whole amount of childcare she pays out for; not just her portion. The OR will see her statements and want to know why she is getting in and paying out more than she is claiming on a SOA for.

Its the full amount she gets in her bank, however im sure ive seen on the form that it says child care may be paid to the provider direct, she has only just had her first payment so will have to check exactly what they are paying.

skylight

Right - so the £216 is full amount of childcare and tax credits. But her outgoings only have 1 x £35 that she pays, when in fact she pays out £140 to the childcare facility?? So £140 should be on her SOA and not £35 if this is the case as you have the money coming in but nothing to off-set it when going out (IYSWIM - and I haven't got my wires crossed or its not paid directly!)

Le_Chuck

srichar3 wrote: »

Below is an SOA ive worked out for my ex wife, she is single mum with 2 children, can someone in the know give it a look over and let me know if it seems ok?

Rent.............................................. 600
Council tax.................................... 100
Electricity/gas............................... 70 - probably nearer £100
Water rates....................................35
Telephone (land line)......................30
Mobile……………………………………..20
TV Licence......................................12
School Dinner……………………………40
Groceries etc. ................................400 - £250 more realistic
Clothing.........................................100 - £1200 per year on clothes is a bit steep
Petrol/diesel..................................150
Road tax.........................................20
Car Insurance.................................80 - what she driving? A small run around would be closer to £30. I pay £65 for 3series BMW
Car maintenance (including MOT).....25
Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc)..30
Contents insurance.........................20
Haircuts.........................................30 - way too much £10
Child care…………………...…………..35
Childrens Activities……………………..30
Holiday..........................................70
Emergency fund.............................10
NMC Membership ............................15
Prof Fees ........................................6
Total monthly expenses...................1918


Income
Salary...............1500
Child Benefit......135
Maintanence......269
Tax Credits........216
Total..................2120

She will have a bit of a surplus so will prob cut her hours as shes working 30 hours a week at the minute which is hard going with 2 young kids.

Thanks

............

freddy911

skylight wrote: »

Right - so the £216 is full amount of childcare and tax credits. But her outgoings only have 1 x £35 that she pays, when in fact she pays out £140 to the childcare facility?? So £140 should be on her SOA and not £35 if this is the case as you have the money coming in but nothing to off-set it when going out (IYSWIM - and I haven't got my wires crossed or its not paid directly!)

Yeah thats right her total payment is 216 per month for tax credit, and out going for child care is £140.

Thanks

skylight

Change that SOA to £140 then - quick!! Other stuff looks OK really. If she is a new driver then the insurance is going to be high, gas/electric is a bit low.

I also agree on the clothes being high. Thats a heck of a lot for a family of 3. I was only permitted £60 for a family of 6.

freddy911

skylight wrote: »

The groceries seem AOK - it equates to about £4.75 per person per day

Seriously? is that all they allow for food? OMG

skylight

Thats for food and houshold stuff too.

£4.75 per person, per day is plenty! You wont be allowed more than the £400 a month in the SOA, the OR may even try for less. If Sainsbury can feed a family of 4 for £50 a week ........................

Le_Chuck

srichar3 wrote: »

Seriously? is that all they allow for food? OMG

I spent about £100 pm on food & Cleaning/toiletries for just me. you'd make saving for buying in bulk & also as you've excluded school meals. £250 is realistic

alastairq

srichar3 wrote: »

Seriously? is that all they allow for food? OMG

Maybe nottalot if one eats out every day.....?

I 'believe' it is more than is allowed when calculating most benefits.....if this board's experiences are anything to go by?