Going back to work

GoonerGregg

I am looking to go back to work. I am awaiting a interview date this week, and I am currently a full time carer for my step son, and receive CA, DLA (Middle Rate), CTCredit, Income Support.

I have filled in on these benefit calculators, and although they look good for me, they look a little too good to be true.

I have always been led to believe that going to work these days makes you worse off! I can stay off work for the foreseable future looking after my step son, but I really want to work now, I've been out of work for 5 years now, and it's a case of pride and feeling a sense of productiveness now.

What can I expect to lose if I go back to work doing 30+ hours a week earning £250 a week?

Does anyone know about the months rent & council tax you get when you go back to work, and the £250 bonus? What I have been told, just need verification.

Thanks for any help!

cosmic-dust

GoonerGregg wrote: »

I am looking to go back to work. I am awaiting a interview date this week, and I am currently a full time carer for my step son, and receive CA, DLA (Middle Rate), CTCredit, Income Support.

I have filled in on these benefit calculators, and although they look good for me, they look a little too good to be true.

I have always been led to believe that going to work these days makes you worse off! I can stay off work for the foreseable future looking after my step son, but I really want to work now, I've been out of work for 5 years now, and it's a case of pride and feeling a sense of productiveness now.

What can I expect to lose if I go back to work doing 30+ hours a week earning £250 a week?

Does anyone know about the months rent & council tax you get when you go back to work, and the £250 bonus? What I have been told, just need verification.

Thanks for any help!

Instantly you lose your carers allowance and Income support.
As the child is your step son that you are looking after, I'm guessing their biological parent lives within the family unit? Just you haven't mentioned any figures wages or working tax credits that you are getting already.

kingfisherblue

The job Centre can do a 'better off' calculation for you, to see if you would indeed be better off financially if in work. Also, Carers UK have information on returning to work from being a carer.

Good luck x

skater_kat

type some scenarios in the turn2us calclutator online. this will give you an idea.
you may still be entitled to Hb and CTB = as you get dla, your peronsal allowance threshold will be higher. sometimes if you even get a penny of HB/CTB then this may qualify you for other things.

Hammyman

GoonerGregg wrote: »

I have always been led to believe that going to work these days makes you worse off!

That is what happens when you surround yourself with dole "lifer" scrounging layabouts. Its their whole mantra on which they base their reasons for not working.

Whilst it is true for some, it is mostly confined to single adults under 25.

GoonerGregg

I am on £157 a week Child Tax Credit, £55.55 carers, £197.20 a month DLA. I live with my step son, my daughter and girlfriend in a 3 bed privately rented property.
The calculator estimates I could get as much as £212 PW CTC, and £125 a week HB working and earning £250 per week! That can't be right can it? I mean, my rent is currently £249 p/w.

Hammyman

Yes it is correct. Your CTC wouldn't be reduced until you're earning far more money. DLA is not counted as income in means tested benefits.

However, the HB may be wrong in the amount because you would be entitled to Working Tax Credit and your HB would be affected by the WTC you get.

Working Tax Credits alone will make you far better off than you have been.

Your girlfriend, if she isn't working, could claim Carers Allowance instead of you however this would be classed as income for WTC and would lower that award a bit.

BUT, and its a big but....
Even if you are no better or worse off financially by working, I'd pretty much guarantee that in yourself you'll be a lot happier and your girlfriend might be appreciative of you not being under her feet 24/7 . Also you would be setting a good example to the kids, even if the step-son is going to be incapable of working.

GoonerGregg

BUT, and its a big but....
Even if you are no better or worse off financially by working, I'd pretty much guarantee that in yourself you'll be a lot happier and your girlfriend might be appreciative of you not being under her feet 24/7 . Also you would be setting a good example to the kids, even if the step-son is going to be incapable of working.[/QUOTE]

:T
You've got it to a tee! That is my sentiments exactly. Thank you for that, very much appreciated from you.

Hammyman

Well good luck whatever you choose to do.