Reducing Hours... Is it worth it?

summerof0763

dmg24 wrote: »

Given your signature:



Perhaps you should aspire towards those 'well paid workers who have no idea', rather than looking towards a life depending on benefits?

i spent years paying my taxes,and now i am unable to work,so unfortunately i HAVE to rely on benefits,would you rather i did not claim my entitlement???

dmg24

summerof0763 wrote: »

i spent years paying my taxes,and now i am unable to work,so unfortunately i HAVE to rely on benefits,would you rather i did not claim my entitlement???

So you were one of the well off brigade, but now you are not you feel fit to criticise them? That seems a tad hypocritical.

I am wholly supportive of those who cannot work being able to claim welfare benefits. However, if you can work, I see no good reason why you should choose to live a benefits lifestyle.

summerof0763

no i was NEVER one of the well off brigade.
i worked long hard hours for the wages i did earn.
unfortunately one of these jobs ended my working life.
dont see why people should be made to feel guilty for trying to improve the life they have,and if that means claiming benefits to top up the wages they have,then they should claim them.

seven-day-weekend

I only had a decently paid job at the very end of my working life. Before that I'd done a series of menial office jobs, then for years I was a lollipop lady.

So I'm not one of the 'well-off' brigade, and I also don't think people should work all the hours God sends unless they need to.

The OP wants to cut her hours VOLUNTARILY to 30 (from 37, not onerous hours) and expects the State to subsidise her choice.

I cut mine from 37 to 22, but that was my choice and no way did I think extra Benefits should make up the difference. If it is NOT by choice that is a whole different ball game and I agree that people should claim what they are entitled to.

I do know one or two people who take the OP's view however.

property.advert

Haven't laughed so much in weeks. Thanks.

Sconter

No one here is saying you should not claim what you are entitled to...I myself am claiming JSA due to being made redudundant...what the OP is saying she is deliberately reducing her hours so she can claim tax credits to spend more time with her dog...I honestly believe if you put it to HMRC (fixed) the way you have to this forum they would tell you where to go.

Out of interest what age is the dog?? Just thought I should ask as you said it was your longest relationship...the way you said that made me think the dog was at least about 10!

Scott.

MickBee

Sconter wrote: »

No one here is saying you should not claim what you are entitled to...I myself am claiming JSA due to being made redudundant...what the OP is saying she is deliberately reducing her ours so she can claim tax credits to spend more time with her dog...I honestly believe if you put it to the DWP the way you have to this forum they would tell you where to go.
...

HMRC who deal with Tax Credits (DWP don't) have an online handbook with a section on Notional Income. Relevant sections would appear to be:
Purpose of disposal of the income
The claimant may have more than one reason for disposing of income, only one of which is to obtain tax credit or more tax credit. Securing or increasing entitlement to tax credit may not be a claimant's main motive but it must be a significant one.
Timing of the disposal of income
The timing of the disposal of income is an important consideration. A claim made soon after the disposal of income may indicate that gaining or increasing entitlement to tax credit was a significant motive.
If the deprivation took place well before a claim was made it is less likely that the action will have been for the purpose of gaining entitlement.

As the OP wrote:

I'm thinking about reducing my hours from 37 to 30 to improve my work life balance as well as making time for my dog. I'm moving out of the family home, so he will be on his own quite a lot now. I know it doesn't sound so important, he's just a dog, but I can't give him up - he's more than just a pet to me, he's my longest ever relationship!

I want to reduce my hours to 30 hours per week which will take my annual income down to around £12500/year. I know I'll be entitled to some tax credits but I don't know how much - Can you help? Also will I be penalised for reducing my hours? ..

and an increase in tax credits is included in the post, this may be deemed to be a significant motive.

Of course, were her employers to reduce her hours, there should not be a problem.

jdturk

Benefits should be for people in dire situations to help themselves out, not to subsidise a way of life!

welshmoneylover

jdturk wrote: »

Benefits should be for people in dire situations to help themselves out, not to subsidise a way of life!

Millions of people having been using benefits to subsidise a way of life for years :rotfl:

MickBee

jdturk wrote: »

Benefits should be for people in dire situations to help themselves out, not to subsidise a way of life!

From the "Sticky: Its about helping people get their entitlement! Not about benefits policy!- MSE Martin"

This board is here for help and support for those on or looking to claim benefits, not for judgement. ... Benefits do provide a lifeline for many, and this site is here to help people with their money, and not to judge. Of course, how to illegally defraud the benefits system shouldn't be discussed here, but ensuring you're getting your entitlement is exactly what its about.