Reasonable Expenses

Unremarkable

I'm sorry if this is something I could find elsewhere - I tried and failed! 
Is there a guide to what reasonable expenses would be considered on bankruptcy application? Maybe per adult/child or whatever.
I have a feeling some of mine are higher and would be frowned upon so I'd like to be prepared to justify if necessary!
Thanks

mwarby

No there isn't, the rationale being if the maximum  was published, every application would be at those limits

if you fill in https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php and post here we can give some guidance as to what will likely be flagged, and also suggest items you may have missed

Unremarkable

Thank you, I will do.
First a couple of questions...
1) Do I include Council Tax & Water payments? Obviously as things stand I am paying them but I believe they get included in the bankruptcy.
2) Do I include Disability Living Allowance I receive for my 10 year old son? I'm guessing yes.

mwarby

yes to both, make sure you include any expenses specific to your sons needs

If your income is solely benefits you won't get an IPA

Unremarkable

Notes/Background:

Benefits include joint UC claim, CB in my name, Carer's Allowance paid to my husband, DLA for disabled son, all paid into joint current account.
(Husband will be applying for BR too)
I do not work currently due to ill health

Groceries incl food, cleaning, toiletries, alcohol, papers, postage

Medical – items not available on prescription

Mobiles – includes 2 adults, 2 teens

Home phone incl fibre broadband

Sky package still within contract

Clothing incl uniform for 3 children

Child related expenses incl 75/m cubs/swim lessons, pocket money £20/w

Pet insurance – we have an old cat so it's shot up this year

Gifts incl xmas, kids, family, friends – prob not enough actually

Entertainment £30/m x 2 gym for myself & husband, within minimum contract

Cars - valued £720 & £330 - justification for having two cars is that husband frequently needs it to take disabled son to appointments/therapy etc and I have frequent hospital/therapy appointments

Household Information

Number of adults in household........... 2

Number of children in household......... 3

Number of cars owned.................... 2

Monthly Income Details

Monthly income after tax................ 0

Partners monthly income after tax....... 0

Benefits................................ 3502.53

Other income............................ 0

Total monthly income.................... 3502.53

Monthly Expense Details

Mortgage................................ 0

Secured/HP loan repayments.............. 0

Rent.................................... 1250

Management charge (leasehold property).. 0

Council tax............................. 158

Electricity............................. 80

Gas..................................... 80

Oil..................................... 0

Water rates............................. 56.77

Telephone (land line)................... 55

Mobile phone............................ 55

TV Licence.............................. 13.2

Satellite/Cable TV...................... 75

Internet Services....................... 0

Groceries etc. ......................... 800

Clothing................................ 100

Petrol/diesel........................... 217

Road tax................................ 29

Car Insurance........................... 52

Car maintenance (including MOT)......... 100

Car parking............................. 0

Other travel............................ 0

Childcare/nursery....................... 0

Other child related expenses............ 95

Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc).... 65

Pet insurance/vet bills................. 27

Buildings insurance..................... 0

Contents insurance...................... 37

Life assurance ......................... 0

Other insurance......................... 0

Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 60

Haircuts................................ 60

Entertainment........................... 60

Holiday................................. 50

Emergency fund.......................... 0

Incontinence products................... 65

Child medicines......................... 50

Therapy Equipment....................... 50

Therapy Activites....................... 75

Total monthly expenses.................. 3814.97

Monthly Budget Summary

Total monthly income.................... 3,502.53

Expenses (including HP & secured debts). 3,814.97

Available for debt repayments........... -312.44

Monthly UNsecured debt repayments....... 0

Amount short for making debt repayments. -312.44

[i]Created using the SOA calculator at www.stoozing.com. 

Reproduced on Moneysavingexpert with permission, using other browser.

JCS1

As your sole income is benefits,there will be no IPA.  But it does show your outgoings are £300 more than your income, you need to be able to manage that as you won't have access to credit.

mwarby

The groceries looks a bit high to me, I'd think you can get that down to £500 a month, landline and TV also look to be areas you can save on