Can you claim anything if not entitled to tax credits

Kittyrules

I used to work 32 hours and my husband works 16, we get tax credits based on my hours and we get HB.

I was off on SMP and then sick leave I am due back next week but due to a loss I am still struggling so I plan to ask my doctor for more time and to be put on anti-depressants. I want to work, I was hoping to ask to go back and do 20 hours, lunch cover were I work but regardless of how much I work it costs me £100 to get to work a week.

If I drop hours I will lose Tax credits and I know HB is based on income right now not outgoings? and we couldn't afford for me to do those hours.

I have been told by Tax credits I can claim TC for up to 6 months if I have a phased return that is not my normal hours for up to 6 months. I don't really want to do this as I don't want to return to 32 hours as I really do not think I would cope.

Does anyone have any advice or know if I can claim something else?
I don't want to claim but in order to get back to work I feel I can only do a reduced number of hours.
I have looked for other jobs and it is not working out at all

FBaby

Can't your husband up his hours then or look for another part-time job?

whitewing

If your DH can't get more hours, surely it is worth you going for a phased return over the six months. This will give your DH time to look for something else and you may feel a lot, lot better in six month's time anyway.

Kittyrules

My husband has tried to up his hours, all his boss will give him is overtime and it is not all the time.
He has looked for other work but he is very low as well due to losing our son and I don't want him to be more stressed out

I think a phased return is my only choice, I can not afford to return on part time hours. My boss said I could do this, then changed her mind and said I couldn't as she couldn't do it until I felt I was ready to go back to full time

whitewing

I am very sorry for your loss. Are there any charities that are supporting you both through things at the moment? They will probably have much more understanding of the unimaginable pain you are facing and they may be able to help you on these kind of practical issues. Please do look after yourselves.

nannytone_2

when my daughter lost her little boy, she and her husband were able to claim income support, even though they were on unpaid leave from work.

it is a truly terrible thing to experience, but in time, you will learn to live with your loss.
hope things get easier for you both

whitewing

Also I have just seen some of your other posts. Am I correct in thinking that the job you would be returning to is in a children's nursery?

I really think that you need to sit down with someone in person and get some support in taking the next steps. If there isn't someone from a suitable charity, could you see either the Citizen's Advice Bureau or have a personal visit to The Samaritans to check out the money situation.