so is it worth me working 20 hours for minimum wage or would I get any benefits if I didn;t work?

[ssd]

dh works f/t, earns 20k, we have 2 kids

I read here where its not financially worth working for minimum wage and its got me thinking i wonder if we would be better off claiming benefits, we get tax credits of just over 30 quid a week, maybe i should quit work and study to get something better, but would we get more benefits apart from TC?

[hairylights]

Doubtful you'd get jsa as you are in a couple and he's working.

It's worth working because benefits are there to support those that can't, not that choose not to.

Also while in work Its easier to find better paid work and you could always study part time if you're only working part time.

[ssd]

so do you not get jsa if your partner works?

[hairylights]

I think you get contributions based jsa (ie if you've paid your contributions) for a fixed period of time if you lose your job. But jsa is means tested according to the income of the family. You are expected to seek work and take suitable work.

Worth looking it up on entitledto.com or the Directgov site or talk to an advisor at the job centre.

"Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance
You may be entitled to claim contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance if you have paid enough National Insurance contributions (NICs). Jobcentre Plus can pay this for up to 182 days. Generally, self-employed contributions will not help you qualify for contribution-based Jobseeker?s Allowance.

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
This is based on your income and savings. You may get this if you have not paid enough NICs (or you've only paid contributions for self-employment) and you're on a low income."

Are you saying your DH is thinking of giving up a £20k job to go on benefits? That would be outrageous and very silly - not to mention short sighted.

If he voluntarily gives up work he won't get benefits.

[hairylights]

And neither would you if you voluntarily give up work.

[ssd]

no, not him, me

[higgle]

So you are asking us if you should give up work so that we, the taxpayers, can keep you? Certainly not!

[tabulahrasa]

you might get more tax credits because they're based on family income, but it depends how much you get now.

Other than that, no, nothing.

[mollymole]

benefits are for those who need them NOT those that choose them IMO

[going]

If you got JSA you would have to be actively looking for work so you wouldn't get it if planning to study.

[hairylights]

You would not get jsa if you voluntarily gave up your job, no.

[crappyhappybabby]

I think it's deffo worth it. I work 16 hrs per week and because my annual income is low, it's tax free and I can pick up extra hours as and when I want which comes in handy around christmas.
I have just had my 3rd lo so am on maternity leave until April/may next year so I am still getting paid! I know that if I gave up my job I wouldn't be entitled to anything so I'm not sure what benefits you are referring to?

[skrumle]

your tax credits would increase - you'd need to check on a site like entitledto.com but i doubt it would be by as much as £120 a week. if you voluntarily left your job to study you wouldn't be entitled to claim jobseekers allowance (and even if you managed to get it, it would only be for 6 months as after that point your OH earns too much to qualify for income-based JSA). depending on the type of study you undertook you might be entitled to apply for student loans or bursaries.

[weevilswobble]

Always worth working. Its not just about the money. But looking after children is a ft job too, depends if your children are at school or not.