What is an Income & Expenditure form?

An income and expenditure form, sometimes referred to as a budget planner, is used to understand a person’s financial position.

By completing the form, it will show you what money you have coming in, what you have going out, what's left over and if you need some extra support. Don't worry if you do - we're here to help.

It's really simple and should only take 15 mins to complete, we recommend having any income and spending details available or make sure your able to log in to online/mobile banking to get this information.

Filling in one of these forms is a really important step to help us understand your current situation and to be able to help you find the best option for you.

You will need to be as accurate as possible to give a true reflection of your situation
Some expenses will be more of a priority than others

You could also take a look at our Money Saving Tips page to see where you could save some extra cash.

What needs to be included on an I&E?

Your income

This section is where you would list down any money you receive on a regular basis. This includes:

Income from employment or self employment
Working / Child Tax Credit
Universal Credit
Job Seekers Allowance
Income Support
Housing Benefit
Any pension payments you receive
Rent or board you receive

Any other money you receive on a regular basis, such as housekeeping from your partner or dependants

It’s important that you include all types of income that you’re receiving. Doing this means we have an accurate picture of your current financial situation.

Your priority bills

Priority bills include:

Rent, mortgage or secured loan payment
Council Tax (or Rates if you live in Northern Ireland)
Gas
Electric
Water (except for Scotland or Northern Ireland residents, as water is included in Council Tax or Rates)
Other fuel, such as oil, logs or coal
TV licence
Service Charge or Ground Rent
Hire purchases or logbook loans, typically for a car
County Court judgments (decrees if you live in Scotland or Judgments in Northern Ireland)
Magistrates court fines (for example TV licence fines or criminal fines)
Child maintenance
Arrears on any of the bills listed above

Your other spending

Other spending includes:

Car insurance, tax, or breakdown cover
Satellite and cable television
Buildings and contents insurance
Life insurance or pension
Telephone and internet
Public transport
Repairs and maintenance costs (such as heating cover or boiler insurance)
Medical or accident insurance
Household appliances that you’re renting
Educational fees
Church or charity donations
Union or professional fees
Laundry or dry cleaning costs
Smoking costs
Loans from family or friends

Other living costs

These costs are usually the money you spend on a day to day basis. The easiest way to work out your average spending is looking at recent shopping receipts or bank statements.

Living costs include:

Food costs for you and your family
Clothing and footwear
Toiletries
Hairdressing
Dentists and opticians
Sundries and emergencies
Medicines or prescriptions
Sports, hobbies and entertainment
Newspapers or magazines
School activities and pocket money
Savings
Petrol and parking costs

Your non-priority debts

The following items are considered non-priority debts:

Unsecured loans
Credit cards
Overdrafts
Store cards
Payday loans
Catalogue repayments
Doorstep loans, such as Provident
Cancelled contracts (such as gym memberships, mobiles phones and satellite TV)
Arrears from gas or electric providers you’re no longer with
Arrears from rental properties where you no longer live

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What is an Income & Expenditure form?