working 16 hours a week info required

louloubelle76

:hello:

I wonder if someone can help me, Ive finally got a job but it is only 16 hours a week (plus over time) I was told that I could get working tax credit but I gave them a call today and they said I need to work 30 hours aweek.

Is there other credit I can get to boost my wages.

Thanks in advance

Oldernotwiser

You can get WTC by working 16 hours per week if you have a child, otherwise it has to be 30. You can claim LHA and CTB if you are working part time.

louloubelle76

thanks Oldernotwiser for replying but what is LHA and CTB?

thanks x

louloubelle76

Just googled them but I still live at home so it doesnt apply

Kimitatsu

You also have to be over 25 to claim tax credits (dont know if you are or not!)

If you cant claim any of the above then there is nothing else unless you have a disability.

ceridwen

louloubelle76 wrote: »

thanks Oldernotwiser for replying but what is LHA and CTB?

thanks x

Local Housing Allowance

Council Tax Benefit

Well....as I understand it...one has to work at least 20 hours per week if over 50 and no children (subject to provisos) and the 16 hour amount might do for WTC purposes if one has children....(ie discrimination in favour of those with children again....sigh!).

As you say you are "still living at home" I doubt you are in your 50s...

sprogs

Congratulations on your new job!

Are you working for a large company/chain or a small independant company?

Coming up to Christmas I would suspect that you will be able to get plenty of additional hours, ask if the rotas are done for the next couple of months - sale time is silly busy as well - and volunteer for as much as you can fit in.

After that if you prove that you are fab at your job they may extend your hours, or you may feel well enough qualified to apply for a retail job with another company that offers you more hours.

An alternative would be to look at whether you can take on a second job, but working in retail the hours may be such that it isn't an option - if it was me I would look at the extra hours, learn as much as possible and then look at moving on either within the existing company or to something better in a similar field. If you show a flair for retail and enjoy it then there are management training schemes that you may be able to get onto - look at the big retailers, John Lewis/Waitrose , M & S etc.