Term time only jobs - Do the benefits people average your hours over the year ??

[NervousNutty]

I am thinking of applying for a kitchen assitstants job, which is 16.25 hours a week, term time only.

I know 16 hours is the cut of to be able to claim IS and the level at which WTC will kick in, but if I am only working term time will they still class me as working 16 hours a week or will they average the hours out over the whole year ?? That would mean I was then only down as working 11 hours a week.

I ideally want a job where I can come off IS so really want it to be 16 hours a week or more.

I checked this with a school job i was thinking about applying for, similar hours, teaching assistant post. They said it would not have to be averaged out, as you were getting paid holidays, and i would be classed as working 17.5 hrs year round. Not sure if the same applies for your instance, but if you ring the inland rev/tax credits helpline number they will advise you

Thanks for the replies

I will ring the school on Monday for a form and then check with tax credits etc too.

The hours would be ideal so lets hope it is ok.