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Original poster

Claim benefits rather than work full time?

32 replies

TheQueensToes · 06/01/2023 21:09

Ok so I’ve put my hard hat on for this one, and name changed too for privacy, here it goes…

To avoid drip feeding- I’m a single parent to two children, one of whom has physical disabilities and additional needs.

I’ve had a meeting today with DS’s Occupational Therapist and they’re signing him off! His present set of treatments will be his last for the foreseeable future. This combined with his physical therapy completing at the end of last year, means my diary is looking pretty clear! The issue is, I only work part time to deal with all these appointments. Up until Last year, we had at least two regular appointments a week, plus additional paediatric appointments, meetings with school, and social workers.
Because of this, I made the decision during covid to reduce my hours down to part time. Not ideal, but the combination of my part time wage, universal credits and child DLA, means I actually make about £30 a month more than when I was working full time. it means I’ve been available for every appointment, every meeting, all school events and even had chance to catch up on housework sometimes. I’m also on the school PTA board and volunteer for one of my son’s supporter charities

so, now that our appointments are reducing, I was quite excitedly looking at increasing my works hours. Except, when I’ve looked on an online calculator, I’d actually be less well off each month! So now what do I do? I hate the idea of being on benefits for the rest of my life, and I love my job and don’t think I could get anything as well paid and flexible anywhere else. But the idea of working two extra days a week for less money just seems crazy! What do I do? What have others done in this situation?

OP posts:
Flurbegurb · 06/01/2023 21:14

Totally up to you, you have lots on your plate and if you can stay part time for a while then probably best. That's what I would do anyway.

Emmamoo89 · 06/01/2023 21:18

It's up to you. Start part time for little longer if that's whats best x

LivingDeadGirlUK · 06/01/2023 21:18

I'd stay part time for a bit and then reassess in 6 months time or so. It sounds like your life has been incredibly busy and stressful, don't feel bad about taking a bit of time to recuperate!

You could also have a look at any potential courses etc you could do to allow you to earn a higher wage, and thus make going back to work full time actually worthwhile. Depending on your current job there may be something you can fit around your new free time.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Benefits Families
gamerchick · 06/01/2023 21:20

Stay where you are OP. Trust me.

Just for now.

NannyGythaOgg · 06/01/2023 21:21

Stay part time - at least in the short term. Review every 6 months/year.

Once you go back full time it will be hard to cut back again should you need to, whereas looking to increase your hours can happen at any time.

I came on here expecting to say get back to work full time as soon as you can but I am pretty sure in your circumstances I would leave it at least 6 months to a year

kitcat15 · 06/01/2023 21:23

I would be thinking about my pension

Notplayingball · 06/01/2023 21:24

Stay part time and enjoy your free time and do not feel guilty about it either. I have children with additional needs and I have a partner so I can't begin to imagine how stressful you have had it with all the appointments solo.

megletthesecond · 06/01/2023 21:24

I'd stay part time. I've had to stick at part time as my youngest teen has MH issues.

Noonesperfect · 06/01/2023 21:26

Definitely stay part time. Like another poster said once you increase your hours it might be difficult to cut back. I think also you would resent working more hours for less money. It's just crazy.

Cileymyrus · 06/01/2023 21:26

kitcat15 · 06/01/2023 21:23

I would be thinking about my pension

This.

when you work out “less well off” have you factored in your pension, particularly your employers contributions? That can be a significant amount of money each month.

i would also say the opposite to pp- depends on your field but I have always found it’s easier to cut hours than increase. To increase there needs to be the position and budget free.

Original poster
TheQueensToes · 06/01/2023 21:27

Everyones been so nice! I was expecting to get destroyed (I was too chicken for AIBU!). I think six months sounds good, just wondering what I’ll do after that.

@kitcat15 ive been purposefully not thinking about my pension. I’ve got a while before I retire (Lotto depending!) so decided not to worry about it for a few years

OP posts:
Natfrances · 06/01/2023 21:29

You do what works best for you. I would stay part time

Thinkwicebeforeyouleavemylife · 06/01/2023 21:29

I'd stay where you are OP.

Life can throw up unexpected things. It seems like you're balancing a lot of things at the moment and things can be unpredictable when your child has additional needs.

All the best x

pointythings · 06/01/2023 21:30

I'd stay part time but look for something better paid that is full time for the longer term so that you can build up your pension. Definitely don't take any rash decisions.

GoAgainstNicki · 06/01/2023 21:32

You sound exactly like me haha!

I have 2 under 2. My 8 month old has a genetic disorder and he constantly has OT/physio/paediatric and so many more appointments. I had two back to back maternity leaves and have just left my full time role now. I’m about to start a part time role as I’d still like to work to challenge my brain but still have time for DS’ appointments.

If DS’ appointments were to suddenly decrease, I’d still stay part time and not go back to full time until I was 100% sure that it was the right decision. Sometimes it’s not always best to work full time in certain circumstances. I’d carry on as you were:)

Chewbecca · 06/01/2023 21:33

Pension is what sprung to my mind too. The earlier the better.

daysleepers · 06/01/2023 21:40

I would stay part time in your situation. Sounds like you are receiving benefits for a reason and this is what they are there for. You have a harder time than the stereotypical full time on benefits persons and do contribute by working part time.

Another matter I know but it's such a shame it doesn't pay to work these days!

You could of course increase hours in the future if /when you find a better paid job where it warrants full time hours..

Soontobe60 · 06/01/2023 21:41

TheQueensToes · 06/01/2023 21:27

Everyones been so nice! I was expecting to get destroyed (I was too chicken for AIBU!). I think six months sounds good, just wondering what I’ll do after that.

@kitcat15 ive been purposefully not thinking about my pension. I’ve got a while before I retire (Lotto depending!) so decided not to worry about it for a few years

I’d like to think that our benefits system is designed so that carers of children with disabilities can have the choice of having paid employment full time, part time or not at all - the choice shouldn’t be forced on them.
However, what I would advise is that you start a lifetime ISA (LISA) and put away as much as you can into it asap. That way, your pension journey is well under way. The earlier you pay into a pension the greater the impact when you need it.

BungleandGeorge · 06/01/2023 21:48

Are you sure you’ll be worse off? Dla is not means tested. Have all the appointments and support definitely stopped? Is there still home treatment eg physio for you to do? Will you still need to liaise with school and have a higher frequency of needing to pick him up?

MissMarplesbag · 06/01/2023 21:59

I'd stay part time but study for some qualifications to increase my future earnings. You might be eligible for free courses at a local college so it's worth taking advantage of.

RaininSummer · 06/01/2023 22:01

Is it the cost of childcare which makes you worse off? If so then I agree with you but otherwise surely you shouldn't be worse off as UC takes 55p in the pound off off your benefit after your work allowance so you should be better off the more you work.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 06/01/2023 22:03

Worst cost of living crisis why make yourself worse off? Give yourself a break OP

templesit · 06/01/2023 22:05

Makes total sense to stay as you are part time!

AffIt · 06/01/2023 22:09

I'm sorry you thought you'd get a hard time, OP.

Here's my perspective: I work FT, higher-rate tax payer, no kids by choice. To me, the benefits system is designed for people like you and your DC and I have absolutely no problem whatsoever with paying into that system. That's what a social support system is for - a healthier, happier society benefits everybody in the long run.

Like others, I'd say take at least six months, reassess thereafter (a lot can change in half a year) and during that time, use your 'extra' time to invest in yourself - you've been doing a lot and probably need time to recharge.

Best of luck!

AffIt · 06/01/2023 22:11

@Soontobe60

However, what I would advise is that you start a lifetime ISA (LISA) and put away as much as you can into it asap.

This is good advice.

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