to ask you to explain the 16hr working rule and benefits?

[yespeeps]

would be really grateful for some help in understanding this as I don't have time for trawling thru calculators and gov.uk, got a 6 month old to look after amongst other things.

I'm looking at return to work after mat leave, I think there's still a rule that you loose lots of benefits if you work over a certain amount of hours, to the extent that it doesn't make it worthwhile unless you really want to work over those hours for some reason. Am I right? Is it if you work OVER 16 hours, you loose out, but if you work UNDER 16 hours, you don't qualify for working tax credit or something? So basically loads of people work 16 hours cos that works out best for most?

having a nightmare trying to work all this out as well as being a single mum and trying to work out stuff with the mortgage!!

thanks very much for all the useful comments and that link, I now have a bit more of an idea how to approach it.

I spoke to Shelter and another agency, can't remember which one or what they said off the top of my head sorry, Shelter sent me a letter summerising their advice :-)

ijustlostthegame, you understand where i'm coming from, thank you, I don't feel close to tears but I do feel like i'm running out of time to work it all out!!!! the SMP part of mat leave ends in 2.5months

Shelter are excellent on housing but not benefits - for that you need CAB.

holiday don't be so rude. I'm a lp and struggle with lots of administration tasks due to tiredness. The op asked for help.

thanks emma, our local CAB lets you email initially so I've done that
meglet thank yu x
my miracle, cherished little angel is asleep so i'm off to do more sorting
thanks again for the helpful comments xxx

yespeeps ... I can only apologise for those, such as holidaysarenice, who have clearly no appreciation of the nature of forums such as this. I too have struggled with agencies including/omitting various areas of consideration, and yes, it can be quite daunting to those who are new to the system. I have needed assistance with this in the past so, in the spirit by which this forum was designed, please ignore those who have been so negative and unpleasant and focus on those who will support your interest to try and work whilst supporting your family! ;)