My Income / Expenses calculation

gratton20

Hi

I have worked out what I think is the "fair" I/E breakdown for my BR forms, could someone comment. I really dont know how accurate this reallys is as apart from the utility bills I have been using credit to pay stuff so it is all a bit hit and miss but based on the forum members suggestions in previous posts and the govt online household surveys that people linked to and the guide to OR docs also linked to.

Am I right to assume that OR will probably not be so concerned with every penny being dead accurate since I am only on benefits, have been only on benefit for some years (mental disability) and its not going to change baring a miracle? Family consists of me, wife and 1 daughter age 14

Income Me

Income Support / Disability Living Allowance (middle care/lower mobility) / Tax credit TOTAL -- £924 month equiv (£244 is DLA)

Income Wife

Child Benefit / Carers Allowance £299 month equiv

TOTAL PER MONTH £1223
===================

Expenses

Rent / Council Tax £0 as paid in full by benefit
Housekeeping £461
Electricity £70 monthly DD budget account
Water £21
Telephone £30 (Land line - also pay for BT broadband but not claiming it)
Travelling (Bus only, live in isolated village no car) £185
Clothes £47
TV Licence £14
Other -

Hair £19
Mobile phones £20
Childrens pock money and school activities £35
Pets (1 cat) £10
Repairs / Emergencies £20
Birthdays and treats (?) £ 20
Holiday (as per Guidance to OR's) £50

TOTAL EXPENSES £1002
===================

Left over income £221

Your comments and help will be much appreciated - thanks in advance

NekoZombie

I would say dentist and nhs prescriptions but I assume you get those free? I think this is all academic anyway, as I don't think the O.R can take any surplus from benefits like income support.

DEBTMONKEY1A

Gratton 20-none of it matters really-you are on benefits & the OR will take nothing from you.

gratton20

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies. I realise they will not take any money off me. I was just concerned to get what the OR would call "reasonable" figures in case OR said, "Hey your spending is too high, thats why you are in debt, its your own fault so BRO for you" or something like that ... I KNOW I am being silly tho LOL

debt_doctor

Debt monkey is correct. I am a debt case worker at the CAB. IT is not possible for the OR to take anything from someone on income support. The inc / exp in your case is a nonsence - put what you like !!

Relax and enjoy the peace that bankruptcy will bring you from your creditors.

Good luck.

Claire1974

As the others say as you are on benefit the OR won't take any money. Just wondered why you were going BR if you have over £200 surplus each month? Or is this surplus just not enough to cover your debts? Sorry for being nosey - I was declared BR 2 weeks ago and have my OR interview 11 Sep and concerned the OR will take any surplus I have....

gratton20

Hi Claire1974 -

Actually I dont have £200 left, I wish I did, thats the problem, I really dont know exactly how much we spend on everything since have been using credit for a lot of it recently. (Robbing Peter to pay Paul) I was making out the budget based mainly on published "acceptable figures". My repayments a month were, assuming they were all paid on time £450 or so

Hi Debt Doctor

Thanks for your reassurance, I will just be glad when it is all over - got my appt booked for 2pm on Monday 3rd September!