Better off working or not?

HC_2

Loopy_Girl wrote: »

But I do not think the way you answered the OP was appropriate - no need for an answer dripping with so much sarcasm.

You're quite right, and I apologise to the OP. However, the so-called 'benefits culture' makes me see red, and it angered me to see someone openly musing whether to get a job or to claim benefit. That simply does not make any sense to me. There should not be that choice.

Loopy_Girl wrote: »

The majority of people claiming WTC either work or are in a relationship with a partner who works so your precious tax money is safe - we are all paying into the system.;)

You're slipping into sarcasm yourself!

I would like my 'precious tax money' to be spent wisely, that's all.

Loopy_Girl wrote: »

Pray to god you never find yourself in a situation where you need to rely completely on benefits as these words you say may have a hollow meaning.:o

If I found myself in a situation where, as a last resort, I had to rely completely on benefits, then I would do so. That is what they are there for.

sreppaw

The goverment does so much ridiculous taking with one hand to give back with another. I would advise the OP not to work in this situation and to consider the benefit received as 'reclaiming' tax for your family that your partner is paying, or tax that you have paid in the past to support others who were in a similar situation.

tom9980

One of the reasons ive not posted my experiences of the "system" on this forum is because of all the negative attention those OP's often recieve all for asking legitimate questions or making requests for help and advice. From what ive been reading of late there are really far more legitimate people asking for help/advice than "spongers" here and most of the criticism when all the facts are known is misplaced.

To the OP i think you should continue to claim dont take that job yet either, instead wait until its time for nursery, then find a small part time job or do a part time course so that it fits around your life at that time. When that child is then at school get a better job or take more hours.

Finally you are entitled to that money you paid taxes and your OH does as well so i think you have every right to take advantage of it for a few years in such an important time for your family, dont let anyone tell you different either. Its not like you screwing the system here at least IMO so dont feel guilty just dont spend you life needlessly claiming.

mitchaa

Tom, the option of choosing not to work should not be there. I think that was what the O.P was getting at.

Benefits should be for basic needs, basic food and shelter and thats it.

If you want to smoke, drink, eat out, go on day trips, holiday etc then you should fund this yourself, not the tax payer.

Instead there are millions of families on benefits reasonably well off.

Whole benefit system needs a shake up and i dont think the OP disagrees with that. The fact she will be better off out of work is clearly not her fault, its the systems fault for allowing it to happen.

HC_2

tom9980 wrote: »

Finally you are entitled to that money you paid taxes and your OH does as well .

The benefit system doesn't work this way. It's not a 'bank' where you make 'deposits' as a tax-payer, and then make 'withdrawals' as benefits, when you see fit.

Or so I've always believed.

It appears I'm in a minority of people who think that claiming benefits is a last resort, rather than the first port of call.

Loopy_Girl

Well count yourself very lucky that you are above the threshold for claiming WORKING tax credit (clue is in the name methinks).

I agree that people who are milking the system anger me too - young people with no responsibilites who are on JSA (or IB for 'depression'), lone mothers who keep popping out kids regardless, NRP's who go on benefits to avoid paying child support...these kind of people make my blood boil too.

People that work and claim WTC should not be lumped with that. I am a lone parent and work 25 hours a week and get my WTC/CTC. So would you rather that I sat on my @rse and claimed IS for as long as I could get away with it? But if it wasn't for WTC/CTC I wouldn't be able to work - and what I get from that is way way less that my IS and all associated benefits together.

If you think that WTC is a benefit then fine, to many people it is a lifeline and a way of being able to work and live.

HC_2

Loopy_Girl wrote: »

Well count yourself very lucky that you are above the threshold for claiming WORKING tax credit (clue is in the name methinks).

I agree that people who are milking the system anger me too - young people with no responsibilites who are on JSA (or IB for 'depression'), lone mothers who keep popping out kids regardless, NRP's who go on benefits to avoid paying child support...these kind of people make my blood boil too.

People that work and claim WTC should not be lumped with that. I am a lone parent and work 25 hours a week and get my WTC/CTC. So would you rather that I sat on my @rse and claimed IS for as long as I could get away with it? But if it wasn't for WTC/CTC I wouldn't be able to work - and what I get from that is way way less that my IS and all associated benefits together.

If you think that WTC is a benefit then fine, to many people it is a lifeline and a way of being able to work and live.

I'm not sure if this is aimed at me.

I've not made any comment about people who work and claim WTC.

The issue I was talking about was where people have a choice either to work, or to claim benefit.

Loopy_Girl

At the end of the day - and back to the OP's question - she actually has a job. Being a full time parent. And her partner works and their income is topped up with tax credits which is what they are entitled to. Whether you agree with that is neither here nor there.

HC_2

Loopy_Girl wrote: »

At the end of the day - and back to the OP's question - she actually has a job. Being a full time parent. And her partner works and their income is topped up with tax credits which is what they are entitled to. Whether you agree with that is neither here nor there.

Quite right.

And, benefits issue aside, I rather hope that the OP can find a way to stay at home with her child, and not go out to work. I was a full-time mum for the first four years and, though it was sometimes difficult to make ends meet, they are precious times.

My view on claiming benefits as a choice, rather than through necessity, hasn't changed though. However, I can see that I'm making you cross, so I'll shut up.

notlongnow_2

I work twilight shifts 6till 2am. It fits in with the children great! I used to work full nights. I would stay up all day, go to work for 12hrs and then stay up all the following day and THEN go to bed..lol.

It was bloomin hard but I wanted to do it as I needed to talk to someone over the age of 5yrs!!

I am now far worse off working rather than claim benefits. I would get countil tax benefit, mortgage payment help, free milk for the kids etc plus I.S plus tax credits. I choose to work as I, however strange it may sound, want to put something back into the society in which I live by paying taxes.

I dont regret getting my first night job all those years ago as it gave me some independence.

you do what feels right to you but personally speaking, I would rather work then claim much more in benefits if not just for my own sanity..lol

Good luck.