My brother is living with me...

[ska]

He has lived with me for over 3 years while he finished college. He graduated last year, but is having difficulty finding permanent work. He was going to move out as soon as he got a FT job, but he has only had temporary assignments so far. He pays $50 per month to cover his portion of utilities. He is hardly ever at my house. He doesn't eat our food, he buys his own.

I will need to count this as income, right? He was going to move out last December, but his friend got cold feet and decided not to. I know that as soon as his friend says let's go, he is out of my house. I know this income will not continue for long. I don't even consider it income, because it is just to cover his expenses. Hum...

Opinions?

[BKOnce]

$50 cash = No income.

Why?... he doesn't have ATM card either?

[ska]

$50 cash = No income.

Why?... he doesn't have ATM card either?

Yes, he pays me in cash. At first I wasn't even going to mention that he lived with me. He is like a child to me, I am 15 years older than him. I feel like I need to help take care of him.

My concern was that his car is registered with my address and figured it would come up in court.

[optimistic1]

It might come up, but I am pretty sure that it would help you if he isnt working, your household size increases, although he might not qualify because he isnt a child.

[drowningNdebt]

I have the same situation. My brother lives with me, he is a few years older, not on the lease and pays me cash every month. He doesn't have a car either or his name isn't on any of the utility bills. However, it's spuratic month to month with his payments. Therefor, when I brought this up to the attorney he said it doesn't count as income. I just keep the cash, don't deposit it into my bank and spend it on foods, etc.

[magyar123]

Yes, he pays me in cash. At first I wasn't even going to mention that he lived with me. He is like a child to me, I am 15 years older than him. I feel like I need to help take care of him.

My concern was that his car is registered with my address and figured it would come up in court.

It's not your car - it's his car. You don't have to list any cars that are not yours.

[ska]

It's not your car - it's his car. You don't have to list any cars that are not yours.

The only reason I brought up the car was because I wasn't going to mention that he lived with me. I thought they would question why he is there and does he pay rent. Then I saw a thread that mentioned that the Trustee do a DMV search. So, I thought if they did one by address they would see the car and that it is not in my name, and then start questioning me on his residence. I really don't want to hide anything, but I also don't want the Trustee thinking I am making money off of my brother.

Can you tell I worry about everything?

[magyar123]

The only reason I brought up the car was because I wasn't going to mention that he lived with me. I thought they would question why he is there and does he pay rent. Then I saw a thread that mentioned that the Trustee do a DMV search. So, I thought if they did one by address they would see the car and that it is not in my name, and then start questioning me on his residence. I really don't want to hide anything, but I also don't want the Trustee thinking I am making money off of my brother.

Can you tell I worry about everything?

DMV searches relate only to VINS and/or license plate numbers - at least here in California.

[deadbroke99]

My brother in law lives with us but doesn't pay anything. He has bought groceries once or twice but has been with us about 6 months. I don't plan on counting him as I don't receive any income from him. He does get bills here so I hope that is not noticed. He is hardly here anyway, just his stuff really. He spends most nights with his girlfriend. His 13 year old daughter stays with us though. He spends his money on her so except for them eating with us, it doesn't mess with my budget one way or another.