Any help for low pay P/T workers?

Lifeforms

Basically had a job offer verbally, as just of a bit of a chat. Nothing discussed like pay, or hours, just that it's part time (which could mean anything, but is desired, as full time is not possible)

Got a brief description of what I'd do, but due to circumstances etc I haven't had a job for years (don't hate!) and I have no idea about if I take a job with low hours, thus a low wage, say 10 hrs a week at full minimum, so around £60 a week, that's not really enough to live off of, pay rent, bills, electricity, food etc by my current standards. As I haven't worked for such a long time, would there be any support I could get in addition of my wages regarding rent, (currently know in my current position of claiming housing benefit/LHA thing, would not fully cover rent, looked that one up) council tax, or any top up on my wages towards living costs?

It was not an offer I was expecting, and it floored me, in a really nice way, so I am seriously thinking about it as It'd be something I quite enjoy, and suited my needs. But I need to know about potential low wages before I would commit.
I have a figure in my mind of what I can live off of, and pay bills. not extravagantly but realistically, and whilst I don't know hours/pay/whether it'll come through yet, whether it'd be possible with top ups, or anything like that?
Can someone help, or direct me to somewhere I can look? Have a couple of weeks to think about it, and raise questions for the person.

soontobemrsg

As I understand it, taking a few hours work shouldn't effect benefits that you currently receive. You get to keep the first £20 of wages and anything above this is deducted from benefit. I think this does however depend on what benefits you currently receive so you would need to speak to a benefits advisor.

In order to qualify for WTC you need to work a minimum number of hours depending on your circumstances. Why not try totting up some figures on the entitledto website to give you a better idea based on your circumstances.

soontobemrsg

sorry forgot the link https://www.entitledto.co.uk/

Lifeforms

Currently not on benefits persay (aside DLA which i know is not affected, and IB entitlement, but not paid/stamp is paid though. Embarrassed to say I'm not sure what that is, national insurance I guess), but if this doesn't come through would be heading down the ESA route.

Will take a quick look on that site, thanks!

soontobemrsg

As you are on DLA which is a passport benefit, anything you earn from working is a top up and therefore you will no doubt be better off financially regardless, if you rent currently you will still be entitled to some HB and CTB if not full on the basis of DLA continuing.

Good luck!!!

Lifeforms

I'm an idiot as I hadn't actually added the dla on, it's low, low, but would make a difference. The problem I would have is if I had to find full rent and council tax/water as that would wipe all the money out and a bit extra, working on 10 hrs @ minimum.

Right that makes me happier! Going to go through the calculator in a bit, and sit and work out some figures.

Thomas_Hardy

soontobemrsg wrote: »

As you are on DLA which is a passport benefit, anything you earn from working is a top up and therefore you will no doubt be better off financially regardless, if you rent currently you will still be entitled to some HB and CTB if not full on the basis of DLA continuing.

Good luck!!!

DLA is not a passport benefit, however it will add premiums to passport benefits (IS, IB ESA, IB JSA).

Lifeforms, do you have a partner that works? Do you receive any means tested benefits?

Lifeforms

Nope, single, no dependants, no other benefits aside IB entitlement only.

Thomas_Hardy

Lifeforms wrote: »

Nope, single, no dependants, no other benefits aside IB entitlement only.

I'm not clear on your IB - you said you don't receive payment earlier. Do you receive Income Support instead (means tested IB)?

Lifeforms

No, it's incapacity benefit, but entitlement only. So I get no money, but they pay my stamp? Was on income support but due to circumstances I had to come off because of savings, but not able to work in the mean time. So they switched it to IB entitlement.

dawyldthing

IB I think is incapacity benefit (soon to be the esa i think)