Somebody explain the 16 hour rule to me.

captain_nugget

Hello, Can somebody explain the magic 16 hour rule to me? I'm a little concerned that I'm being told different things. At my 6 month meeting at the job centre I told the lady I saw I'd given up my part time (16 hr) job because they hadn't paid me for 3 months. She said then I that case I wasn't entitled to WTC and I'd best rush out and get another 16 hr job. I went and got another 16 hr job. So, (are you still with me?) when I took my form into the job centre with my 16 hr wage slip to sign on the guy I saw said I'd have to sign off if I was working 16 hrs. Whats going on?

dookar

16 hours is the 'cut off' point for JSA/IS, considered to be remunerative work the claim will end.

However, it's kind of a starting point for tax credits if you have children.

kelloggs36

If you work for 15 hours and 59 minutes, you can still sign on, but your earnings will be taken into account for JSA and that may mean no JSA if you earn too much. If you work for 16 hours or more, you need to claim WTC (if you are the correct category).

captain_nugget

Right so the 1st lady I saw made a mistake. Am I still entitled to WTC working 15hrs a week? Can the hours be made up jointly with my wife who works 6hrs a week?
I only want to make sure I'm getting what I'm entitled to till Dec as I have something lined up. I've just got an awful feeling they're going to ask for something back.

Caz3121

no you cannot get WTC for under 16 hours

Zara33

captain_nugget wrote: »

Right so the 1st lady I saw made a mistake. Am I still entitled to WTC working 15hrs a week? Can the hours be made up jointly with my wife who works 6hrs a week?
I only want to make sure I'm getting what I'm entitled to till Dec as I have something lined up. I've just got an awful feeling they're going to ask for something back.

I would guess they will be asking for your JSA back as you should not have been getting this allowance whilst working 16 hours per week and claiming tax credits.