work 16 or 15 hours a week??

kellylou

Hi everyone, I have 2 young kids and am a single mum.
Since having my second child and splitting from their Dad I have found work really hard just because of the nature of my job a lot of late night and weekend work. Work have also found it hard with me not hitting all of my £84k target for the year!
So without sacking me they suggested I cut down my hours and change roles until both kids are at full time school.
So from Jan I will be working for only 2 days, I have worked it out I wont be much worse off as it will save me £69 for that day in childcare.
I was just wondering should I stick with doing 15 hours or ask them if I can do 16?? I have read both could affect benefits??
if I work 15 I wont get working tax credits but more housing benefit and if I do 16 I will still get working tax credits??!
I do fully intend to work 4 days again when the kids are both in full time school as I love my job and would never leave, it keeps me going and keeps me sain!!
and don't get me wrong I appreciate any benefit I can get every penny helps, just don't want to do the wrong thing?

Thanks Happy New Year

BigAunty

16 hours for lone parents is definitely the minimum qualifying time for WTC.

You can check the impact on your benefits of the 15 or 16 hour scenario on the Turn2us online benefit calculator.

I expect your overall income is higher if you get WTC, even though in the other scenario you get more HB?

Have you got a child support agreement in place with the non resident parent? This is paid on top of your benefits and doesn't affect them. I think the CSA is getting scrapped but currently there is a calculation in place where the NRP is expected to pay 20% of their net income in child support which is reduced if they have overnight care of the kids.

kellylou

Thanks very much BigAunty, had never heard of Turn2us will have a look.
Thanks x

zagfles

What will you earn on 15 hours? Are you claiming for childcare (vouchers or tax credits?).

kellylou

I will be on about £11k, I currently get tax credits. Just looking to see if that will stop once I reduce hours?

Indie_Kid

It also depends on what you earn - same if you receive housing and /or council ax support.

kellylou

Thanks this is the sort of answer I was looking for! cant seem to find it in simple terms anywhere!
Thanks

angelsmomma

I agree you need to get them to give you 16 hours Kellylou

zagfles

kellylou wrote: »

I will be on about £11k, I currently get tax credits. Just looking to see if that will stop once I reduce hours?

WTC and WTC childcare will stop on 15 hours, you'll still get CTC. HB will increase but not by as much as you'd get in WTC. Try to get the extra hour.

kellylou

Thanks everyone this has really helped!
Just went and saw HR department and they will add the extra hour as I never usually take a lunch.
Happy New Year x