Tax credits with variable working hours?

blackcats2

I am trying to work out whether I am eligible for child/working tax credits. Single with one child under 18 (at 6th form until summer 2019). Working part-time (merchandising) but my hours vary considerably - anywhere from 5 to 28 per week, over the last year it has averaged at just under 16.

Does anyone know how working hours are calculated?

Ames

If they've averaged less than 16 a week then you won't be entitled unless you get to above 16 either in this job or a second one.

AIUI, the length of time they average them over depends on circumstances. If someone routinely worked x one week and y the next it'd be over two weeks. You'd have to regularly update them.

If you're in a full service universal credit area you'd have to claim that instead, which is a nightmare for irregular hours and wages.

blackcats2

Thank you for replying so quickly.

The average over the whole of 2017 is just under 16, but there is no pattern to the hours at all. The work varies seasonally, but also complicated by the fact that not all calls are weekly and client contracts come and go. It's possible that I could be given more calls in the future, but equally possible that hours could be taken from me (as happened earlier this year).

ETA Not in a universal credit area afaik.

Darksparkle

You can’t average hours over a year. If your hours reduce below 16 for more than 4 weeks you’d stop being entitled.

Is there any reason why you can’t work more? Disabilities for example?

You don’t need to work to receive CTC.

blackcats2

Ah, ok. I didn't know about the 4 week thing.

Over 2017 I have dipped below 16 hours/week for 2 periods of 5 weeks each, but there have also been spells of several weeks where I have had weeks alternating above and below. Argh.

I don't have a disability as such. I have had a progressive neurological condition for some years which is now beginning to affect my dexterity and energy levels, though I think it will be a while before I would be eligible for any disability benefits. I had not previously looked for a different/better job because this one has been very flexible whilst I have needed to be available at odd times for the children. A change of family circumstances has meant that I need to investigate all possible ways of maximising my income, so now I have to decide whether to stay in the job that is flexible and where I can cope physically for a while longer but the hours do not play nicely with WTC, or deal with the stress of finding something better (which would only help my situation for 18 months-ish as I don't think 30 hours/week would be possible by then).

ETA Looking again at the CTC info, it seems that new claims are limited to the first two children. The child I mentioned in the OP is my third...

Darksparkle

It’s not limited to the first two children, just limited to two children. If your third child is the only child you will claim for then it’s not an issue.

blackcats2

Ok, I misunderstood.

Have spent the afternoon googling (now that I know what I'm looking for), and found some info on turn2us that the average hours over the five weeks previous to a claim would be used, but if there's really no way of predicting how many hours would be worked from week to week then it may be necessary to phone up and report every 4 weeks!

I haven't been able to find out what proof they might need, but I'm guessing they wouldn't just take my word for it.

Icequeen99

Can you post the link to Turn 2 Us? There is no 5 week rule for tax credits. It is the weekly hours you 'normally' work that count.

IQ

Darksparkle

Icequeen99 wrote: »

Can you post the link to Turn 2 Us? There is no 5 week rule for tax credits. It is the weekly hours you 'normally' work that count.

IQ

You’re correct, OP is reading for IS/JSA.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Working-hours-benefits-rules/Calculating-work-hours-Fluctuating-hours-of-work#guide-content

blackcats2

Apologies (and also to Icequeen). I thought I was getting somewhere! The rules seem to vary for variable hours/seasonal/term time. Back to square one - I don't have a 'normally'.

Icequeen99

The only rules that exist in law relate to those in term time occupations on an annual cycle where you ignore periods of holiday.

Seasonal workers don't have special rules.

It isn't easy when you have variable hours. I always say to people that you can claim then if your hours drop below the hours level for more than 4 weeks in a row, you need to report that as a change.

IQ