Thanks for the replies, I posted here before with the details, made up a new user name, because I couldn't remember my old one. I have found it now and will paste it in here, It wont allow me to post the link until I have 15 posts. This is what I posted last year:
I owe 27,000 in debt, I was managing ok with repayments but had to leave my job two years ago to become my mothers carer. Up until then, no arrears. Shortly after, they built up very quickly.
Through help with mabs, I now pay €35 weekly to the debts. As I receive 204 per week on carers allowance, the repayment is small enough but I am genuinely starting to struggle again, just little things, a pair of shoes last winter as my boots were letting in, underwear, a winter jacket/coat, or something needed for my home, such as the bathroom tap broke, I couldn't pay for it to be fixed, as every penny is calculated to the last cent with mabs, there was nothing to pay a plumber.
I know 35 seems nothing to people paying huge amounts on mortgages and families with larger bills, but it's a lot to me from 204 weekly.
Basically, I don't really understand the debt insolvency thing, I don't have a car, property or any assets. At the rate of paying 35 per week, it will be a long time before the debt is completely gone. I don't drink, don't smoke, don't socialise whatsoever. I can't cut back anymore than I have. So after all that explaining, does anyone know if I can apply when it comes into effect?
Nearly forgot, no dependents anymore and I am single if any of that matters
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At this stage, it is not much different in amount. I was told by MABS (who have helped me for a few years and are a great help) that I can apply for DSA. I have my son here who is on jobseekers, 188 per week. I said daughter up above as a for instance. My problem is that I have been paying this amount of €35pr week off all debts for several years now, I can't face another five years of that, there is nothing over each week. In the income guidelines it seems that I am below this standard, my budget sheet doesn't include anything other than basics. it is rent, esb, gas, tele, food, phone, mobile 20 per month as if I am outside, my mother needs to contact me and vice versa.
I spoke to a few people offering their services, each of them have said it would be best going for bankruptcy as I am living below the guidelines. I have already been doing it for years, I am not sure but I think I started with MABS in 09, I would have to check that, that's 4years done, another 5 ahead of me in DSA. As I stated, my son is here, one of the people I spoke to said, he would not be included in my income, but when I looked on the income guideline on ISI, it has a grid that deals with two adults. My son does not halve the expenses with me, I dont expect him too, he is not my husband, he does give me money towards the rent, gets his own food etc
Regards jewellery, I don't own any at all. The most expensive item I have here is a tele (plasma) I bought in 2005. I think they are around €1500 new in the shops now. I am worried about simple things like kitchen utensils, toaster, microwave, sandwich maker, upstairs, the wardrobes, presses etc.
It is the thought of another 5years of the same day in day out, knowing there is never going to be anything left each week for another 5years is too much, I have been doing it for years already, I am worn out now, I honestly cant do it anymore. It would be great if past history of payments was included in the insolvency plan, I would be nearly at the five year level, but I think it starts from scratch.
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