Benefits when working 16 hours a week

AnnieD_2

Hi there,
My marriage is on very rocky ground at the moment. Still working on it and haven't given up yet but I am feeling the need to make contingency plans.
Currently I work 14 hours a week - 2 days. I know that I have to work 16 in order to get benefits and there is an opportunity to increase my hours soon. This is something I was considering anyway as the kids get are getting older. My question is do I have to do at least 16 hours each week or is it sufficient if I worked 70 hours over a month. I might have the option of working an extra day every other week which would be ideal and fit in with the children's arrangements but if it wouldn't qualify me for benefits then I might have to stretch to an extra day a week.
Thanks,
AnnieD

Scarlett1

not sure but think it has to be 16 per week, that will entitle you to claim working tax credits and child tax credit (if you arent already getting it), you could possible get housing benefit if you privately rent and council tax benefit. Have a look here www.entitledto.co.uk

AnnieD_2

Thanks Scarlet, I'll check out that site.

joey_2

Hi Annie, I am in a similar situation to you. I phoned up the tax credits helpline earlier today to find out what I "could" get if I were to take a job (17hrs a wk) - they were very helpful. However the lady did say I won't be entitled to wtc because of oh's wage (21.5k) but I will keep my current ctc and receive an extra £59 a wk for childcare leaving me to pay a shortfall of only 3 - 4 pounds.
Seems really stupid to me that they will pay £59 for someone else to look after my kids, if they would just pay that to me I wouldn't need to work and leave them with someone else.
Anyway I would say your best way of findong out is to phone the tax credits helpline and go through it all with them.

kelloggs36

If you work less than 16 hours you should be entitled to Income Support. Your earnings will be deducted from this, except for the first 20 pounds per week, so in effect you work for 20 pounds per week, but this is on top of your benefits, so you are better off. Because of Income Support you can claim housing benefit, council tax benefit, get free dental care and free prescriptions so it may be worth it. Plus if your ex pays maintenance, you get to keep the first 10 pounds of that too.

AnnieD_2

Work for £20 a week....yikes. If I worked 3 days a week I earn £300 after tax! Think I need to talk to someone about this. Thanks for your replies folks, much appreciated and I'm really hoping I won't need the info,
Annie x