£35k tax free for working 20 hours a week....

[BitchyWitchy]

In response to the 'Benefits' thread, I thought I would post this...

We took the decision to reduce DHs hours a few months back as we realised we are better off with him working part time than full time and this is what we get WEEKLY (4 DCs):

Wages (20 hours per week) £209
Housing Benefit £188 (leaving £7 for us to pay)
Council tax benefit £19 (leaving £3 for us to pay
Tax Credits £196
Working tax credits £13
Child benefit £60.50

Thats over £35K tax free! DH's fulltime wage was £34k before tax.

Also get free prescriptions and dental care, discounted kids activities and leisure centre membership. DH is home 5 days a week and I am loving having him around to help out with the DCs and doing stuff with them which he could not do when he worked 50 hours a week! 3 DC are at school so we get quality time with the youngest.

We are also doing free OU degree courses so we can get better paid jobs in a few years.

Wish to bloody god we did this earlier when we were BOTH stressed out working fulltime and brought in LESS that what we get now after childcare.

We shall enjoy this until 2013 I can tell you! I don't give a monkey's what anyone thinks of us. DH is still working after all and who would really continue working fulltime knowing they get all this? It may not be right but while it's on offer, should we refuse it?

You sound like just the person I need to speak to. Good for you. If it is possible why not.

I'm speechless - the 'entitled to' culture at its worst.

Shameless.

And this is one reason the country is in the state it's in.

have you got a wardrobe though?

it's called lack of moral. YABU.

Enjoy til 2013 indeed.

[I usually don't give a crap what people do with their benefit / sense of entitlement to some dosh from the government - but I'd rather see taxpayer's money go toward those who bloody need it]

You'd better bump his hours up to 24 now then; or take on some work yourself.

Yes, it is shocking, but if it's on offer, take it. And save as much as you can, because it's all going to change.

Half a job between two of you - and this is not only voluntary but desirable. Shame on you both.

Sorry but you are a scrouger.

If you can work full time, pay your tax & show your 4 children that you have a good work ethic then you should!!

Benefits should be for those that need them not those that see them as an easier ride than going to work

If it's there, take it, cos if you don't plenty of others will and you'll be paying for it.

I only wish we didn't have a mortgage because I'm seriously struggling with having to go back to work full time. On the figures you quote, if only we were renting, we too would be better off if I only worked part time.

You can't blame an individual for taking advantage of the system if it's better for their family. The only thing wrong here is the system that allows this to happen.

He's going to get a serious grilling on that CV though- explaining to an employer that you worked less 'because youfelt like it' would not go down well with me. I'd keep that in mind.

Benefits are these for those who are in need and fall in hard times, Your neither just greedy.

I can't help but think this is short-sighted.
Things are only going to gte tougher in the job market, and I think your - ahem - sabbatical is going to bite you both on the rear, like Hedgeblunder says.

it is not OK to "take advantage" of the system.
There is sthg called work ethics; it is usually a good thing to introduce children to.
Benefits are for people who need them and cannot draw funds otherwise. You clearly do not.

How many people who are struggling on two wages to keep a roof over their heads, will read this and think "wish I'd thought of that"

It's not right to expect the tax payer to support you, it is morally reprehensible, but I can see why you might opt to take the benefits.

It's the fault of the system that work doesn't pay for some people on low incomes. If they reform WTC and CTC and payments are not generous enough, some people won't work, if they are too generous I guess some might opt to live like the OP

"He's going to get a serious grilling on that CV though- explaining to an employer that you worked less 'because youfelt like it' would not go down well with me. I'd keep that in mind."

Plenty of women take time out/reduce hours to look after young family. Why isn't that a good enough reason for a man?
[not commenting on rights or wrongs of benefits]

What gaelicsheep said.

It's shocking that you are better off working fewer hours.

Just don't get too comfortable......

Oh DH and I have a strong work ethic. Just not stupid enough to work all hours when we don't need to!

Obviously if the system did not allow this to happen, we would not be doing it.

The DCs are benefitting (excuse the pun) more from having both parents around at the moment than from never seeing the father so he can impress 'work ethics' on them.

sound!

I sleep very well thanks for asking.

How can you be doing free OU degree courses, what totally free!!