returning after maternity/tax credits

simple338

Not sure if this is the right place to post, all comments welcome

Due to return to work next month from maternity leave, due to my work (Tesco) not having no job for me to return to in the hours i told them i could do (wasnt picky gave plenty of option just not extremely early or late) it looks like i will be a stay at mum home (not by choice, they have tried to find a job and my contracted hours are no use as they were early starts)

Currently my partner earns £28,000 , my question being does anyone know if we would get anymore tax credits with only the one income (we were with my income of £10,000 getting £42 per month) or would there be anything other we could claim as things will be tight with only the one wage coming in and there are no other jobs in the area as already been looking.

I have been given the choice of taking 3 months additional maternity leave which is unpaid but i at least stay on the books in hope that work will come up for me. Again this will be tight so unsure whether to take leave and hope for best or quit and hope theres other tax credits or similar we could claim while looking for other work.

AimeesMum_2

I'm afraid that with an income of £28,000 although you would be entitled to a little more than the basic rate of tax credits, you would not be entitled to any help with your rent or any additional benefits than you are already getting.

Tesco must give you a position that is of equal pay to the position you were in before. I would speak to ACAS and see where you stand legally - what hours did u used to work? What hours are they offering you now?

Think it's more of an employment issue than getting benefits which on £28,000 as a household income you won't get much help.

simple338

thanks for reply, i used to do 27 hrs all shifts were 7am starts, i want to do 14/16 hrs all they have to offer is 2 jobs both 20/22 hrs starting 7am, which is not possible with baby, partner leaves for work 6.30, no childminders in area, no family to watch baby

DaisyFlower

On a household income of £28k you'll only get basic tax credits of approx £40 a month and CB.

You could use the three months unpaid leave to ring round childminders as many will do early starts but dont advertise or to find another job.

nannytone_2

if you are actively seeking work (full time) and have paid sifficient contributions in the relevant tax years, you may be eligable for contribution based JSA.