have fallen into debt because I gave up work to care for my elderly mother when she came out of hospital after she broke her hips in 2005. At the time I thought this would only be temporary and I would be returning to work in a few weeks but unfortunately her physical and mental heath continued to decline and she still does needs 24/7 homecare.
I didn’t want to put her to be put in a care home, so I moved in with her and became her full time carer. I now live on £79per week, made up of government Carers allowance and Income support. I have five creditors in total owing now with interest and bank charges around £30000.00
I have no saving left and debt plan companies have said that they can’t help cant me as I have no disposable income, so I have no alternative but to declare myself bankrupt.
My main concern about this is that I will be made to sell my car although it’s only worth £650. I wouldn’t be able to replace it and it’s a life line for getting me and my mother out as she’s needs a wheelchair – My question is, do you think that I would be allowed to keep it as I have read that you can only keep transport if you need it for work! Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated as I’m so very worried about all this.
Can I firstly say how humbling it is to read your post and the sacrifice you have made to look after your Mum. What a very special person you must be.
And do not worry about your car. It is well within the allowable limits operated under bankruptcy proceedings and clearly it is needed to help your Mum get out and about. Have you explored the possibility of whether Mum might be entiteled to a Motability vehicel as well.
For an informal chat about any financial difficulties, or advice as to the options available, I can be contacted via my website - www.melaniegiles.com
Hi Jaci - are you sure you are getting your full benefit entitlement? It seems really low - I haven't worked with benefits for a while but surely you should be getting more as a carer. Has your mum claimed all she is entitled to as well - as a person needing care?? And yes....check out the mobility car too!! Good luck
As melanie has said your car is safe. Your mum should be entitled to DLA both mobility and care allowance, the car comes with the mobility part. You should be on more than £79 per week, phone your benefits agency and ask them. You are also entitled to the carers allowance and also home help.
With the mobility car all you have to worry about is the petrol as tax insurance and all servicing and tyres are part of the mobility package
would I be allowed to keep my car
Posted - 11 May 2008 : 23:43:43
