Going back to work....advice please

[zmandaz]

I am currently living with my parents. My Dad was rushed into hospital and is likely to be in for a long time and once he's home it'll take a while for him to recover. Both my parents are self employed so my Mum's now struggling to pay all the bills etc with no income from my Dad. It looks like I'm going to have to go to work to try and help out as I'm just not earning enough on benefits to be able to afford much more than my weekly shop and to pay off my bills. I know there are jobs at Morrissons and I'm assuming that they'll be around basic wage so what I'm wanting to know is will it be worth me applying for part time work - will I earn more than I do now on standard Income Support? Plus, how many hours am I likely to be able to work before I hit the tax and NI wall? I'm going to ring to see if I can get an appointment with the lone parent advisor tomorrow but just wondered if anyone could give me an idea of what to expect in the meantime. Thanks.

[Alambil]

IS is complicated; I have recently been told that I can only earn £20 - then that is taken off my benefit, so I only ever take home the same amount of money.... seems stupid doesn't it!

I suggest a ring to the LPA - they will know all the rules

Can your dad get SSP (statutory sick pay) or some benefit help; perhaps your mum could ring the mortgate people and see if they can help in any way ?

Hope he recovers soon

[Tinkerbel5]

zmandaz you might not have to go that route, your dad will most probably be entitled to some kind of disability allowance and if your mum has to look after him she could be entitled to carers allowance, your mum would be better off ring the jobcentre plus or go to the CAB for advice.