New - advice wanted please

BBAddict

Hi All,
after months of being a serial lurker at MSE, I finally registered!

I have gotten myself (all to easily) into a lot of debt, and am about to sit down and work out budgets etc (thanks to the advice already found at MSE).

I have a question regarding income - my son (aged 10) receives DLA (ie it is in his name). Do I put this on the budget sheets?

TIA

poorandindenial

Hi TIA

Welcome to the boards!!

If you are working out your income and expenditure and the income comes to you, your son lives with you and it contributes towards the household then yes, you should include this as income.

Have you seen the SOA (statement of affairs/accounts) calculator at www.makesenseofcards.com - it will make life easier if you are doing your income and expenditure. And if you are feeling brave and want to post it here it will format it for you all ready to go

All the best

Ames

But surely the DLA is for his son's care needs and shouldn't be used to service debt? This is the problem I had with cccs, they took it as income and didn't allow me anything for my care needs.

CCCS_Sarah

If your son’s DLA is included in the budget then this money is for his disability. So for example if it was for dietary requirements there would be a higher amount in the food section in the budget, or if a carer is used then make a note of it on the expenditure so the amount is balanced out

Hope this makes sense

MrsTinks

Thanks Sarah you beat me to it
Can't explain it any better than her really

BBAddict

Thank you for your quick replies, very much appreciated.

The DLA is used for higher food costs with his restrictive eating, taxi fairs for hospiatal appts, replacing bedding/clothing a bit more often due to a) very destructive and b) incontinence due to epilepsy.

So I would possibly include DLA in income section, but perhaps add a note (in the form of an attached letter?) explaining the use of the DLA, higher than normal costs for food etc?

Head is spinning already gathering all bills etc together! but I am feeling positive that I've taken this first step

Thanks again

poorandindenial

Spot on BB - when I said running the house that was what I meant, I wasn't suggesting that you were using it for things that you shouldn't - sorry I should have been clearer). I meant it as - it covers additional expenses that you have as a result of his disability and those costs would be in your expenditure so it makes sense for this to be in your income.

BBAddict

Thanks - I'll add it in and add a statement.

Don't worry poorandindenial, I understood what you meant.

I'll also have a look at the SOA, and perhaps if I'm feeling brave enough, :eek:I may even post it! :eek:


:rotfl:

poorandindenial

Cheers honey, and do feel free to post it, it might be a bit painfull and odd baring your housekeeping soul to the worls but the whizzes on here can often cut LOADS off of a budget.