Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

775 replies

BitchyWitchy · 22/10/2010 23:42

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?

OP posts:
gaelicsheep · 27/10/2010 00:00

Oh I agree, see my comments on the way couples can juggle working 16 hours each and still get free childcare.

gaelicsheep · 27/10/2010 00:01

Subsidised, I mean, not free.

Tootlesmummy · 27/10/2010 07:06

Superwoman, I agree it needs to be evened out a bit but in your case your other half should get a job.

BaggyCoconut · 27/10/2010 08:42

SuperWoman - Ah I see why you are paying for childcare now. I thought you meant you had childcare in place so your DP could socialise. If it is for your child to get more interaction with other children and more stimulating activities, then I see why you are apying for it. The first post you made, sounded to me, like you were paying for the childcare so your DP could have extra socialising time, which I thought was a cheeky of your DP really.

SuperWomanX4 · 27/10/2010 08:55

BaggyCoconut - I have read it back and can see how people may have read that.
Tootlesmummy - yes he should!

Tootlesmummy · 27/10/2010 09:25

Super, why doesn't he?

Whitethorn · 27/10/2010 11:47

OP What a wonderful example for your children. Well done, I am delighted that my taxes are going on supporting you and your lazy family bonding.

However, I take comfort in the fact that my DH and I are setting a strong example for our children.

GMajor7DeadlySins · 27/10/2010 11:56

Looks like the OP's had her fun

MassiveKnob · 27/10/2010 12:04

BENEFIT SCROUNGERS OF THE HIGHEST ORDER

Original poster
BitchyWitchy · 28/10/2010 14:23

This still running? No I have not been shamed away Hmm just busy on days out with DH and the DCs as it's half term.

Let me reiterate that what we are doing is pefectly LEGAL. DH did not have to explain to 'benefits' why he reduced his hours. He was not asked. You only get questioned if you give up work completely and voluntarily, and are claiming JSA or IS. We claim nothing from the DWP.

OP posts:
galonthefarm · 28/10/2010 14:36

legal does not mean it is morally ok though!

violethill · 28/10/2010 14:55

Enjoy your days out while you've got the cash! Your free ride won't last much longer lol

minipie · 28/10/2010 14:56

How is it legal? You're only supposed to get benefits if you can't earn more, not if you choose not to earn more. Therefore the OP and her DH must have in some way pretended they are unable to work more than they do.

Obviously there are cracks in the system which allow people to lie about their circumstances, but that doesn't mean it's legal to do so.

whyamibothering · 28/10/2010 14:59

You dont need to lie

You just fill in the tax credit form with the hours you do and weekly or monthly income from it.

And report change of circumstances if it falls within tax year.

No one asks you why your hours have changed - it is just called change of circumstances and it is perfectly legal.

minipie · 28/10/2010 15:06

Hmm

I think that is the problem whyami - the system was built on the assumption that everyone will want to work and earn as much as they can, so that if they can't do more than 20 hours a week it is assumed that that is through necessity rather than choice.

The system needs to change to take account of the fact that there are now many people who are quite happy to choose to be supported by the taxpayer rather than pay their own way.

violethill · 28/10/2010 15:11

Exactly- the system is based on people actually aspiring to a work life and wanting to be independent rather than relying on handouts (which can be reformed / cut at any time as people will now discover!)

Anyway, people have pointed out many reasons why the OP is being pretty thick and deluded about their future situation regarding work opportunities and finance, so
I don't think she'll be laughing for long!

whyamibothering · 28/10/2010 15:15

Not really - it was based on safety net too, that people can lose full time employment and have to take on part time dependent on what jobs are available to them.

I dont have a problem with it actually. See, if it's okay to analyse finances in running a business and do so economically - why isnt it considered ok to think of a family as a economic business, and if it's not financially viable to work at a loss, not to do it.

I see your point about deliberately reducing hours - but children arent children for long and then people will have to review their circumstances. If it isn't illegal, I dont have a problem with it.

Rhinestone · 28/10/2010 15:29

Only just seen this.

Thank you BitchyWitchy - until I read your quite shameless post I was a bit concerned about some of the welfare cuts the coalition is bringing in. Now I'm very clear that they're doing exactly the right thing.

You and your DH are scroungers and should be ashamed of yourselves. I resent that my DH and I pay tax towards the likes of you.

violethill · 28/10/2010 15:33

Totally agree rhinestone- yet another reason why the op is pretty thick - clearly she doesn't realise she's creating a perfect argument against herself!

Rhinestone · 28/10/2010 15:39

Thanks Violethill. People like the OP also create a backlash against genuine claimants of our welfare system who just need a temporary helping hand.

More power to the Coalition's elbow.

MenorcaFan · 28/10/2010 16:11

Agree with Rhinestone.

BitchyWitchy - you make me so glad I voted Conservative.

Shame on you.

thesecondcoming · 28/10/2010 16:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

violethill · 28/10/2010 16:37

No need to feel jealous - they'll be right royally screwed when their free ride comes to an abrupt halt, her dh realises he's handed over many of his employment rights by giving up a full time job , and they're trying to live on fuck- all pension later on lol

MassiveKnob · 01/11/2010 16:07

" DH did not have to explain to 'benefits' why he reduced his hours. He was not asked"

And if he was........? Hmm

newwave · 01/11/2010 16:39

OP, the word that comes to mind is PONCE. It's the likes of you that give all the ammunition that the Tories need and ruin it for those in real need.

As I said you and your partner are PONCES

New posts on this thread. Refresh page