I've bitten the bullet, advice pleeeze!

dalip

Sorry Scarlett and EW should not not post on threads that include benefits as until now have no experiance.But that could all change soon.Think i am posting without thinking:p Sorry.X

gambit_2

Dalip, don't apologise, it's just so nice that strangers even want to help

Gambit x

tigerfeet2006

gambit wrote: »

Thank you for your kind welcomes!! I hope you don't mind if I post my SOA for comment, all monthly, I am a single parent with a 13 year old daughter with ADHD:

Rent £480
Housekeeping £300 This is higher than what would normally be allowed BUT given that you have a special needs DD then is understanderble. Make sure you explain why it is this high.
Electricity £50
Heating oil £60
Telephone/mobile £50
Petrol £160
Clothing £70
Council tax £107
Car tax £9.58
Car insurance £19.00
House insurance £10
MOT fee £4.50
TV licence £10
Car maintenance £50 you might have this lowered, but nothing ventured.....
Hairdressing £15
Holidays £30
Christmas/birthdays £20
Dog/cat food (one of each) £30 Does this include pet insurance? The pet food is quite high and will probably be cut.
Childcare £200
Contingencies £30

I am assuming you get optical, dental, prescriptions free.

House insurance?

Are you a member of any professional bodies?

Outgoing: £1705

Income: £2144
Salary £1390
Maintenance £290
Child benefit £72.40
Child tax credit £150.93
Disability Living Allowance £241.00

I wasn't really sure what to put for housekeeping as my daughter (due to her condition) 'grazes' all day, she never stops eating, and unfortunately girls the little bu**er only weighs 8 and a half stone!!! She is so hyper she burns it off.

Also am I allowed to include her £10 a week pocket money and the £5 she gets to go swimming on Friday nights? You won't be allowed pocket money but it is always worth putting it down. The swimming will possibly be allowed, again put it down and see

As you can see this leaves a deficit of £25 if you take benefits out of the equation. God!! That was so scary seeing it all written down!

I would be really grateful for any feedback, thank you

You've obviously been paying close attention to other posts

JCS1

gambit wrote: »

Also am I allowed to include her £10 a week pocket money and the £5 she gets to go swimming on Friday nights?

Pocket money is not classed as essential, and so would not be allowed. Swimming would be, as one after school activitiy per child is

gambit_2

Tigerfeet, thank you so much for your input. Yes, I have been paying close attention, I didn't want to get anything wrong and because of that this forum has been invaluable. If it hadn't been for it I would have still been trying to pay CCCS the £450 a month they calculated for me.

tigerfeet2006

No problem Gambit. You must be aware though that although we can recommend things each OR has his/her little foibles and cut/lower things that another might leave.

I'll have a search for Scarletts I&E for you. It will be interesting what her OR says tomorrow about it.

gambit_2

Thanks Tigerfeet, I would be really grateful if you could find Scarlett's I&E and I will be watchnig avidly for her posting tomorrow!!

tigerfeet2006

Had a good rummage but can't find it for the minute. Will have another look later.

Scarlett.1974

tigerfeet2006 wrote: »

Had a good rummage but can't find it for the minute. Will have another look later.

Is it just me or does that sound a bit rude? :rotfl:

(sorry, yes, I know it's poor form to laugh at your own jokes)

I'll see if I can find it for you gambit

Scarlett.1974

Here it is:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=695653

I did actually add onto that £20 for birthdays/xmas and £20 personal expenses, taking the outgoings to £2215.

HTH