Jobseekers and Working Tax Credit

slick123_2

Hi all...over two months ago I was made redundant from my main job after 21 years. I am also a Retained Firefighter and have been for 14 years. I am not panicking yet but have some issues that need clarifying.
Although I do sign on, I am not entitled to receive jobseekers allowance as I have an income of £10,000/year from the Fire Service but I am still able to sign on which allows me to claim on my Redundancy Insurance...that is until today. I have just been told that I am entitled to Working Tax Credit because I work over 16 hrs as a Retained Firefighter. I tried to explain that I am only on call for 84 hrs/week but only ever work for about 8 hrs/week and have never worked over 16 hrs/week in 14 years. Now, does this in turn effect me signing on even though I am not entitled to Jobseekers allowance payment as I need to sign on for proof of being unemployed??? I am available for full time employment on any shift and the Job centre is fully aware that I am e Retained Firefighter and are happy for me to sign But they're not yet aware that I am able to receive WTC.
Thanks for any help!

Witter

Hi, i think you should be able to sign on as you work under 16 hours a week but i dnt think its income based jsa, have a quick look on direct.gov.uk theres alot on jobseekers on there. Hope you get something sorted soon

BERFFRO

I've got no information to give i'm afraid, Although i'm going have to watch this thread as i have my first interview this week as a retained firefighter. I have been thinking to myself if i was entitled to working tax if i was to get the job.

dmg24

Who has told you that you are entitled to WTC? Do you have a partner?

slick123_2

I don't think the Tax Office people are that sure...over a number of telephone calls I am getting inconsistant advice...1 minute I'm not entitled to WTC the next I am???

slick123_2

Yes I am married. My wife works 17 hrs/week

dmg24

So have you actually applied for WTC? Do you have children?

slick123_2

I have only applied for CTC but they say one goes with the other...I have a son in university who I am not claiming for as he is 20 and a daughter who is 18 and going to uni in Sept but qualifies for CTC until Aug

Witter

slick123 wrote: »

Yes I am married. My wife works 17 hrs/week

Yes if your a couple you should be entitled to working taxcredit, if you go on hmrc website theres a calulator where you can see how much you will be entitled to for the year. Hope this helps

slick123_2

That is the problem...If I get WTC even though I am unemployed and available for full time employment then theoretically I can't sign on and in turn cannot claim from my redundancy Insurance but the Job Centre are letting me sign at the moment

slick123_2

The Job Centre and the Tax Office are not singing from the same song sheet