Single Working Parent Working Hours advice needed Please

zzzLazyDaisy

clearingout wrote: »

the problem with the 'better off' calculation is that it isn't able to take into account the cost of working - at least 30% of childcare, travel costs, work clothing and additional laundering and other bits and pieces that can come along with being at work. In real terms, at minimum wage and a couple of children, lone parents can end up far worse off despite a calculation that shows a healthy 'profit' over and above benefits.

Yes I do realise this, and I am sure OP does too. But work related expenses are variables which differ according to OP's particular circumstances, and she will know, or have a good idea what they are.

But that wasn't OP's question which was that. despite using the benefits calculator, OP can't work out what the difference in her income + benefits will be if she works the additional hours. A better off calculation by the CAB will give her that information.

bloolagoon

Are the hours negotiable. Can you finish early or start late to create a work life balance.

Rubyroobs

Most of the single parents I know seem to find 16 hours the best for maximising benefits. They get most of their rent paid, Child tax credits, WTC, free dentist and opticians etc and of course get to keep any child maintainence from their Ex's. Plenty of time to spend with the kids also. Under the current system you can if you wish carry on doing 16 hours until your youngest child leaves full time education, although I think the universal credit system will set out to change this.

teagan1966

im in the same situation, i work 20 hrs a week , i had the option of getting another 7 hours a week ,
so i looked into it and spoke to the lady at my local council .
i would earn about another 28 pounds a week , so looking good , dont like working but i will do more if im gona be better off , anyways i digress !
the housing benifet took 20 pounds of that and then the council tax would take another maybe 3/5 pounds , so i would be working for a pound a day , i realy dont care what other people think and you do whats best for your child, its ok for someone to say what do you think two parents do , well they have the option to work round childcare if there are two of you , i dont know ur circumstances , but as your boy is only young you never get that time back trust me , to work and then be no better off, make the most of your son as time goes so quick , i dont have a childcare problem myself but i know that people that do it realy is hard
teagan

DannyboyMidlands

"but as your boy is only young you never get that time back trust me , to work and then be no better off, make the most of your son as time goes so quick".

Thats quite a short sighted attitude. Fast forward 10 years, the children leave education, all the child related benefits stop, you've spent the last decade working part time and had no career progression.

Each to their own but I reckon working as much as possible - even for a touch less money - is well worth it in the long run.

[Deleted User]

teagan1966 wrote: »

im in the same situation, i work 20 hrs a week , i had the option of getting another 7 hours a week ,
so i looked into it and spoke to the lady at my local council .
i would earn about another 28 pounds a week , so looking good , dont like working but i will do more if im gona be better off , anyways i digress !
the housing benifet took 20 pounds of that and then the council tax would take another maybe 3/5 pounds , so i would be working for a pound a day , i realy dont care what other people think and you do whats best for your child, its ok for someone to say what do you think two parents do , well they have the option to work round childcare if there are two of you , i dont know ur circumstances , but as your boy is only young you never get that time back trust me , to work and then be no better off, make the most of your son as time goes so quick , i dont have a childcare problem myself but i know that people that do it realy is hard
teagan

Agreed. Not your fault here - its the system.

How can it be right to be only slightly better off by working more? Nuts.

paddedjohn

The introduction of tax credits made some people get rid of the incentive to work for their living and provide for themselves.

tiffybee

I appreciate the replys but I wasn't looking for criticism about my choices. As has been said no one knows my personal circumstances and I don't care to share them on a public forum. Anyone that has given helpful advice, thank you.

tiffybee

DannyboyMidlands wrote: »

"but as your boy is only young you never get that time back trust me , to work and then be no better off, make the most of your son as time goes so quick".

Thats quite a short sighted attitude. Fast forward 10 years, the children leave education, all the child related benefits stop, you've spent the last decade working part time and had no career progression.

Each to their own but I reckon working as much as possible - even for a touch less money - is well worth it in the long run.

Actually I think you'll find that you are short sighted. I am in a job with excellent career progression. I just didn't have children to stick them in childcare all the time and I didn't choose my personal circumstance now.

Former_MSE_Andrea

Hi everyone

Please discuss Benefits policy on the Discussion Time board. This one's for people asking where they can get help with the situation they've found themselves in.

Thanks