Some questions

[all_confused]

We've been in IVA since August 2009. Our car is giving problems, it is an old car and we will qualify for scrappage scheme. What will happen if our car 'packs up'. I know we cannot make any more debt, but will there be a way for us to get another one? We are both dependant on the car for work.
Another Question:
What is the maximum expenditure we can claim for? We are household of 3 adults, one child aged 11 and then we have my husband's son every Friday night till Sunday night. My son goes to college, but cannot get EMA because of our combined income, but we have to pay for IVA. We give kids pocket money. At the moment we pay IVA £1591, and they've allowed us to have £140 traveling expenses, £68 clothing, £10 Children activities, £495 housekeeping, £40 emergencies, £20 servicing/spares, £5 newspaper, £20 sport/hobbies/entertainment, £20 children pocket money.
My son needed college hand books, which cost a fortune, my husband and I would like to join the gym, but cannot, because it cost too much. With the house keeping, we spend £600 a month on food for ourselves. £68 for clothes, my husband needed new shoes, and that cost £50. I needed glasses, that cost £85, and there is no money for that either.
I would appreciate it if someone can please tell me what we can claim for and what not.

[flumpy dog]

aw all confused sorry to hear things are tight

hopefully size 5 kal or mel or skip will be along soon to advise aswell as helen x
i wear glasses and my ip allowed for that as theyre an essential item
hopefully one of the guys will be along soon xx

[Shining]

Hi all confused, sorry to hear you're having a tight time, as others have said I would definitely talk to your IP directly and explain how tight things are.

I have an understanding IP and when I had to have new glasses I did take them from the payment that month and have to make this up by paying a little extra each month until the arrears are clear.

I sincerely hope things become easier for you.

[kallis3]

You should be able to claim for glasses, and you should also be able to get an allowance for your kids pocket money.

You do need to speak to your IP, and if necessary request a payment break so you can buy much needed items.

If you feel that your payments are too harsh, you could ask for your I&E to be reviewed.

[MelanieGiles]

Your budget should be based upon what you actually spend, rather than what someone tells you you are allowed to spend. The only people who can do that are your creditors, and at the end of the day if they make your budget too tight and you default on the payments and the IVA fails, they will only have themselves to blame!

[all_confused]

We were told that we can only spend a certain amount on things. They said that they wont allow more, and more is what we pay on a lot of things. One example is food.

[MelanieGiles]

Ask your IP are they using CCCS guidelines or the Common Financial Statement, and is so get them to send you a copy of the regognised allowances you can work within. If you are then spending more than the maximum allowance in any given category, you should put forward a note explaining why and if reasonable this should be accepted.

IVAs are not meant to leave people having miserable lives - and your IP is not judge and jury. That is the role of the creditors.

[all_confused]

We've not thought of bankcruptcy yet, I do not want to loose our house. What does bankcruptcy involve?

[kallis3]

If your house is in negative equity then it is doubtful if you would lose it.

Other than that, your debts would be written off and, if your disposable income is over £99 per month after your priority bills have been paid, you would be expected to pay across a proportion of this for three years.

Speak to your IP in the first instance though.

If the office staff won't put you through, you can contact him/her direct via this link:

http://www.insolvency-service.co.uk/newipsearch.htm