Working Tax Credits if partner is disabled

Marsha2007

Hi all, bit of advice please.  My husband is disabled, gets all the disability benefits.  I currently work 7 hours and am a carer to him.  I get child tax credits, but not working tax credits. I've got an opportunity for a more senior post working 18 hours, and according to Gov.uk site I would be able to work less than 24 hours and get WTC because of his disability benefits.  Nowhere else says that though, it says that it's the disabled person that has to work 16+hours, not the partner.  I've tried using the benefit calculators, but that's just making it worse.  Entitled To says I'm not entitled to working tax credits, Turn To Us says I am and includes it in the calculation (although on it's website it says I'm not).  I'm very confused.  I just want to know if it's financially worth me going for this job.  Without the working tax credits I'd be worse off than I am now for working more hours.  Thank you in advance.

calcotti

There are two different disability elements for WTC

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/disability-element

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/severe-disability-element

in your situation the disability element will not apply. However the severe disability element could apply depending exactly what disability benefit your husband receives,

poppy12345

You will need to work at least 16 hours per week to be entitled to WTC. https://www.gov.uk/working-tax-credit

Exceptions for couples with at least one child

You can claim if you work less than 24 hours a week between you and one of the following applies:

• you work at least 16 hours a week and you’re disabled or aged 60 or above
• you work at least 16 hours a week and your partner is incapacitated (getting certain benefits because of disability or ill health), is entitled to Carer’s Allowance, or is in hospital or prison

I also note from a previous thread that you're also claiming carers allowance. Please be aware of the earnings limit of £132/week after deductions. If you earn more than this you won't be entitled to CA.

Marsha2007

poppy12345 said:

You will need to work at least 16 hours per week to be entitled to WTC. https://www.gov.uk/working-tax-credit

Exceptions for couples with at least one child

You can claim if you work less than 24 hours a week between you and one of the following applies:

• you work at least 16 hours a week and you’re disabled or aged 60 or above
• you work at least 16 hours a week and your partner is incapacitated (getting certain benefits because of disability or ill health), is entitled to Carer’s Allowance, or is in hospital or prison

I also note from a previous thread that you're also claiming carers allowance. Please be aware of the earnings limit of £132/week after deductions. If you earn more than this you won't be entitled to CA.

Hi, yes, I've claimed carers for years I know there is an earning threshold!  Hence why I only work 7 hours! I've got a spreadsheet all worked out with so many columns of figures to try and work this out and have took the carers off my workings out!  It's very difficult trying to juggle caring responsibilities, work and still keep our heads above water.  My husband is registered blind with other health issues so leaving him alone is a big worry, but we will be a lot worse off in a couple of years time when child benefits/tax credits finish so I need to try and get this sorted now and a more senior position at work now could lead to an even higher position (and therefore more money, and no relying on benefits) at that time...possibly at the detriment to my husband but what else can we do! Life eh?!!  Thank you for your help though, much appreciated.

Marsha2007

calcotti said:

There are two different disability elements for WTC

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/disability-element

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/severe-disability-element

in your situation the disability element will not apply. However the severe disability element could apply depending exactly what disability benefit your husband receives,

Thank you.  He receives PIP enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility.  He also has Contributionary ESA, support group.

calcotti

Marsha2007 said:

calcotti said:

There are two different disability elements for WTC

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/disability-element

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/severe-disability-element

in your situation the disability element will not apply. However the severe disability element could apply depending exactly what disability benefit your husband receives,

Thank you.  He receives PIP enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility.  He also has Contributionary ESA, support group.

Therefore, as you can see from the link I provided, you would be entitled to the severe disability element (provided you first qualify for WTC by passing the 16 hour threshold).

Note that by the end of 2024 or mid 2025 it is intended that Tax Credits will be abolished and you would have to claim Universal Credit instead. When transferred your UC will be adjusted to match the previous benefit income but may be less in the long term depending on your circumstances. In particular if you have more than £16,000 of capital you will not be allowed to be on UC for more than a year.

Marsha2007

calcotti said:

Marsha2007 said:

calcotti said:

There are two different disability elements for WTC

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/disability-element

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/severe-disability-element

in your situation the disability element will not apply. However the severe disability element could apply depending exactly what disability benefit your husband receives,

Thank you.  He receives PIP enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility.  He also has Contributionary ESA, support group.

Therefore, as you can see from the link I provided, you would be entitled to the severe disability element (provided you first qualify for WTC by passing the 16 hour threshold).

Note that by the end of 2024 or mid 2025 it is intended that Tax Credits will be abolished and you would have to claim Universal Credit instead. When transferred your UC will be adjusted to match the previous benefit income but may be less in the long term depending on your circumstances. In particular if you have more than £16,000 of capital you will not be allowed to be on UC for more than a year.

I wish I had £16,000 or more of capital!  Thanks for your help, it's much appreciated.