Working Tax Credit - changes r coming

[AlisonMary]

Hi has anyone else heard that hidden in george Osborne's announcemnts yesterday - working parents will have to start working a minimum of 24 hours not 16 in order to claim tax credits? I have not yet been able to find the date this comes into place so if anyone can enlighten me that would be great. I currently work 17.5 hrs a week and my employers are already struggling to get by, so couldn't offer me any extra hours which means I will a- have to look for another job in a climate where 500,000 people are about to be laid off or b- try and get another part time job to increase my hours aaaaaaagh!

I think it's more than 24 hours between the two of you, so if you have a DH or DP who also works then you'll be okay.

I have just heard the same thing off a friend, about it going up to 24 hours - am really worried - Bramshott are you sure its between two?? I am a single parent, so will I be okay? I only work 16 hours per week. If anyone else knows anything about this please advise!! Many thanks :)

I'm sure it's between 2 people. I think single parents are exempt from this.

If not then I am stuffed.

I think the Gingerbread website had some info on the benefit changes to lone parents. IIRC the chilcare element is going down to 70% though .

Thanks Meglet, just been on gingerbreads website and you are indeed correct. Thank god for that, I have been panicking all day. x

well obc if you are single parent you're the only person working if you are working lol
I've got 2 part time jobs so it's not difficult to work even 40 hours per week if i wanted to so i guess i am in pretty good position here ;)

Ivette you bumped a year old post to say that you're going to be just fine thanks?!