Should I be working more or fewer than 16 hours a week?

[Tupperwarewolf]

Please can someone knowledgeable help me with a tax credits question? I have tried to find the answer on both directgov and the HMRC websites but am getting nowhere.

DH works full-time. I currently work around 12 hours a week. If I increase my hours to 16+ a week, will we get more or fewer tax credits? As a supplementary question, DD is in childcare for 7 of those hours, costing £21 a week, but we don't seem to get any payment for childcare - any idea why that is?

Thanks in advance for relieving me of my numptiness

16 HOURS OR MORE WILL GIVE YOU WTC.YOU CAN CLAIM FOR CHILDCARE,CURRENTLY 80% BUT GOING TO70% IN APRIL

Sorry caps lock on

Fab, thanks

I thought they'd reduce it if our income was higher

I think but don't quote me on this if your combined income is £50,000 plus you do not qualify but anything under that should.hth

Actually maybe 40,000.AM WORKING LP SO AM NOT SURE,EARN NOWHERE NEAR THIS,LOL:O

Me neither though the (out of date) table I just found seems to think that we would earn enough between us to only be entitled to an extra £10 per week Don't get me wrong, it would help, but I sure don't feel that rich!

IMHO tc don't know proverbial arse from elbow.When dp died they were the most unhelpful sods going.If you have to contact them take the name of who you have spoken to,and date and time,not that I am bitter..don't get me started.Good luck!

The 16 and 30 hour thresholds apply to combined hours, so if your husband is already working time you won't be entitled to any more help (other than possibly extra childcare if those costs increase).

No idea, but so pleased you used the word 'fewer'

Mavis, I'm so sorry to hear that :(

Daisy, really? DH already works over 30 hours but I don't think we get WTC. I thought you only got it if you were both working.

Thanks Spatz I was quite pleased with myself as I was typing

There's a website entitledto.co.uk - put your details in there and it will tell you if you qualify for anything.

Thanks Rita - I did try that the other night and thought we'd be £170ish/month better off if I increased my hours but that won't be true if we already get the maximum we can get because DH works 30+ hours so I'm confused again now