Maximising your income means that you are taking all the opportunities available to you:

• To increase your earnings

• To reduce the amount of tax you pay by making sure your tax code is correct and checking that you are claiming any tax credits you are due

• To claim any benefits you are entitled to

You should start by checking that you are receiving all the tax and welfare benefits that you are entitled to.

Inland Revenue

Information about Tax credits can be obtained from the Inland Revenue website - www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/taxcredits/index.htm

Welfare Benefits

Information about benefit entitlement can be obtained from your local Citizens Advice or local authority welfare rights office. Information about how to claim can be found on Benefits Agency website www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/index.asp

Other Possible Sources of Income Maximisation

Employment - overtime. This can be useful to help clear priority arrears.

Lodgers - but, bear in mind the following points:

• You may need permission from the landlord or mortgage lender under your tenancy or loan agreement.

• The effect on any benefit income.

• Contents and/or buildings insurance policies may sometimes be affected, although this is less likely where the owner or tenant remains in the property.

• The personal situation of a family should be carefully considered. Debt is extremely stressful and the family may not be able to cope with the additional stress of a lodger.

Downshifting - if you have a substantial amount of equity in your property you may consider selling and moving to a smaller property. This has considerable personal implications and sale/removal costs must be considered.

CSA/Maintenance - it is well known that relationship breakdown is one of the most common reasons for debt. In such circumstances the possibility of obtaining maintenance through the Child Support Agency needs to be investigated.