what happens if we can't find the extra 8 hours??

nextyeartina

please don't bite my head off . the extra 8 hours 'provisionally' given to me are no longer available :mad:. gosh, feel so upset yet so angry. i've been constantly mithering since october. 2 weeks ago, i was finally given the extra hours which i could start as soon as the store manager gave the ok. my manager is off now for a week, i'm off next week so decided to approach store manager myself today. he knew nothing about it, doesn't understand why i was offered any hours at all when they have none to give, etc. my dh has been looking for work since last year & i've started today. what happens if we don't get the extra 8 hours minimum before the new tax year? so worried & stressed out. i'm doing 16 at the moment.

t, x

Vejovis

if you don't get them by april you'l lose your wtc. there's nothing much anyone can add to that.

BigAunty

but I believe that if you get housing benefit and council tax rebate, that could increase because they are based on income. Perhaps someone can confirm?

McKneff

Could you get 8 hours at another job, couple of nights in a pub or hotel.

ermine

can't you make this up with something like an ebay business? I thought WTC also applies to the self employed?

BigAunty

ermine wrote: »

can't you make this up with something like an ebay business? I thought WTC also applies to the self employed?

Yes, self employment can be classed as hours worked in order to fulfill the hours threshold but this will eventually change significantly when Universal Credit is bought in.

Note there are a lot of posts on here from those claiming WTC, including ebayers, craft sellers and similar, who are now being challenged by the HMRC to prove they've worked the hours they've claimed for - evidencein the form of diaries, quotes, appointments, invoices, adverts/marketing, etc. It looks like they are targetting those reporting low incomes who they don't think are fulfilling the terms of spending time performing renumerative work.

So the OP would have to research very carefully the terms of claiming WTC as self employed, and the kind of records required, because the HMRC are not really convinced that all SE claimants are actually doing what they say.

ManicMum

I'm really worried for people. How are folks supposed to magic work out of nowhere? It seems wrong to deprive people of income through no fault of their own. This govt should put more resources into targeting the wealth,y who hire accountants to hide their money. It's a disgrace.

sarahg1969

ManicMum wrote: »

I'm really worried for people. How are folks supposed to magic work out of nowhere? It seems wrong to deprive people of income through no fault of their own. This govt should put more resources into targeting the wealth,y who hire accountants to hide their money. It's a disgrace.

There has been a huge issue over the years, however. Couples working 16 hours a week between them and getting maximum tax credits. I see nothing wrong with the suggestion that a couple should work at least 24 hours a week between them.

I appreciate that the OP says her OH lost his job (I don't know what hours he worked or she worked prior to the redunancy, or why she works 16 hours), but there are families who have made a living out of working just 16 hours a week, and that cannot be right.

The OP can make up 8 hours (or even more, if she feels so inclined) by taking in ironing, or maybe cleaning, or doing deliveries, or something like that, if she can't find an employer to give her 8 hours.

Dognobs

Cleaning Job?

Charityworker

I've been making up the 8 hours (I've already started) by going round charity shops in 4 different towns on my day off. Starting at about 9.30am and ending at around 3pm. Then coming home and scouring eBay for wholesale vintage/costume jewellery. Then booking a table at a craft fair or antique Market every Saturday to sell it. You can charge double what you paid for a piece of vintage jewellery at one of these events. I dont know how I would prove my hours if the wtc asked though.

ManicMum

That is very admirable CharityWorker. I am impressed.

I know some people might scoff at what I said but I live in an area where it is almost impossible to get any work, even the most menial jobs. Lucky for me my hubby works. I do have an interview this week, praying I get it.