Childtaxcredit/housing benefits and overtime

jeffdavies2014

I've recently started a new job where my contracted working hours are 28 hours @ minimum wage. However due to the xmas rush i'll be required to work alot of overtime.

However this has caused massive arguments with the girlfriend (who is not working and im due to move in with, including my son) because I'm being led to believe that in effect i will be on less money next year when there is no overtime and I will be paid less benefits (since its based on the previous year).


I've tried to wrap my head around working tax credits and child benefits but its just made me more confused. I've tried speaking to my boss who stated that working overtime wont affect my benefits (which I don't believe) and that I'll be more or "less" in the same boat as I am now. I dont really want to work overtime if I dont see a cash increase or if im going to stuffed next year when it's time to move in with the missus/baby.
Thanks

pmlindyloo

jeffdavies2014 wrote: »

I've recently started a new job where my contracted working hours are 28 hours @ minimum wage. However due to the xmas rush i'll be required to work alot of overtime.

However this has caused massive arguments with the girlfriend (who is not working and im due to move in with, including my son) because I'm being led to believe that in effect i will be on less money next year when there is no overtime and I will be paid less benefits (since its based on the previous year).


I've tried to wrap my head around working tax credits and child benefits but its just made me more confused. I've tried speaking to my boss who stated that working overtime wont affect my benefits (which I don't believe) and that I'll be more or "less" in the same boat as I am now. I dont really want to work overtime if I dont see a cash increase or if im going to stuffed next year when it's time to move in with the missus/baby.
Thanks

First of all, I suspect that you will have no choice but to do the overtime or else you might be in danger of losing your job.

Next, Housing Benefit is not based on the previous year's income. It is usually based on your most recent pay slip although if you earn more in any particular months then you should report the change of circumstances.

Tax credits are based on the previous tax year but on your annual salary I cannot see that you would be be 'worse off' not doing the overtime.

When are you moving in with your girl friend and baby?

Housing_Benefit_Officer

Fluctuations of income would need to be reported and documentary evidence provided as and when they occur for Housing Benefit purposes.

An increase of wages to the run up to Christmas we would need to know as Housing Benefit is means tested so the higher your income the less your benefit.

jeffdavies2014

I'm supposed to be moving in with the family after christmas, to a council property. (But can be delayed if needs be).

Up until this job I have been unemployed for the last year.

zagfles

First off, why do you think there'll be no overtime next year - is xmas cancelled in 2015

Seriously - it's unlikely you'll be worse off overall. You might get less next year as a result of overtime now, but the overtime now is likely to be more than the reduction in benefits next year.