Full time versus part time work

[cakedup]

Am I right in saying that, generally, the more you earn, the less tax credits you get(and less housing benefit) so in essence working 16 hours a week could give you the same overall income as working full time?

Do you any of you still choose to work full time regardless? I'm struggling with my full time hours (although term time only!) and considering working part time in order to get a better work/life balance, especially if it means it makes no difference to my income!

[TurtleIsland]

Have you tried the entitled.to calculator online? Best advice I have as everyone's situation is different :)

[cakedup]

Thanks for replying Turtleisland I have tried using 'entitled to' but can confirm that it does not give accurate results unfortunately! I just cannot manage my current hours so have asked work if they would consider reducing my hours. I don't know what difference it would make to my income but I know I have to cut down my hours regardless.

[GreenGoblin0]

the entitled to calculator is usually pretty accurate.

what is it about your FT hrs you are struggling with? lots of parents have to work full time and most don't have the benefit of a term time only contract.

[inflatableflowers]

When I was a lone parent (recently moved in with partner) I worked on average 20 hours a week. Fits around school hours. I still received working tax credit of around £800 a month on top of my wages.

[inflatableflowers]

As wages rise, tax credits fall.

Point being the less reliant on tax credits you are the better. Who wants to rely on benefits after all.