Will I Lose Out If I Work

kennedy316

At the moment both I and my partner are unemployed and we get joint job seekers of £105 a week. We also get child benefit, kids are 5 and 2, housing benefit and whatever else it is we are entitled too, gf normally deals with it.

Trying hard to find work, 100 applications and counting, and have an interview tomorrow which is 19 hrs at minimum wage of £5.93. The job centre advised that I need to be careful that part time hrs may cost me money in relation to benefits I'd get. Obviously I want to work regardless but don't want my family to suffer, ill make calls tomorrow to check with relevant departments but thought I'd check with the experts here too.

CountryGuy

I'm no expert but I think if you work over 16 hours they will stop your claim.

Under 16 hours and they will start deducting money from your JS. I can't remember how much you are allowed to earn now as it was just befoe Christmas that my son worked 9 hours (Christmas job). He ended up getting no money from JS's as he was earning too much money in his temp job.

viktory

Nah, I wouldn't bother. Nowt to be gained from being employed. Stay at home and have another couple of kids.

CountryGuy

I'd go for the job. £112 a week rather than £105, plus being over 16 hours the OP would able to claim WTC pluse CTC?

Forgive me if I'm wrong

jinky67

You wont get JSA but you will get tax credits and HB and CTC

I recently started a 15hr a week job, so I am missing TC and am a whole £7 a week better off, but you know what, I would rather work than not

viktory

CountryGuy wrote: »

I'd go for the job. £112 a week rather than £105, plus being over 16 hours the OP would able to claim WTC pluse CTC?

Forgive me if I'm wrong

So would. Frankly, I am gobsmacked and a little saddened that someone even has to ask this question.

CountryGuy

also these hours could go up, it could lead to another (better position) ; looks better on your CV.

kennedy316

Don't get me wrong I'm not some doleite trying to stay at home as long as possible, I'd much rather be in work as I've never had to sign on before.

I merely asked as it was the job centre that told me to be careful and work it out.

AnxiousMum

So you've said that you'd be £7 better off per week than on JSA - is your partner on IB or CB JSA? if on IB, then you will likely lose their JSA, but then that's counted in the amount you have stated above that you get right?
You will still get CTC, WTC, HB, CT credit etc. AND the joy of being able to add to your CV, making it more likely for you to find an even better job, advance through the pay scales (Your JSA is not likely to change much in the near future, whereas by working, you have a more substantial chance of increasing your income), and make yourself more employable to another employer rather than being on JSA for ages.