Is it worth working?

[halloweenhorror]

I ask this as I've found that whatever I earn, I lose a third of it in ny child tax credits. We are on a low income (very low) and as I've no childcare help I'm trying to work around the kids. But I'm finding it hard to get say an 8 hour shift, most places are offering 4 hour shifts (in retail), and after I lose a 1/3rd from the tax credits I'm earning practically zilch.

Anyone else not work as they can't afford it?

I found this too .

If your child tax credits would be more than if you worked and paid for child care then I would say not, I don't work at the momment for this reason

I have found this too.

I have just got a xmas job because we are desperate for cash and tax credits said it won't effect my money this year at all. When I apply next year though then my money will be adjusted accordingly.

If they offered to let me stay on after xmas I just don't think it will be worth the while, we'd lose too much in tax credits.

It's mad isn't it.

I tried working when DS1 was 9 months old, but after all of the problems i had with the WFTC and CTC i wish i didn't bother! I was always paying out more than i was bringing in as IR would always enter the wrong details for me and stoped all of my payments for about 10 months! I dread telling them about any changes incase this happens again (i rely on the money atm as i am on maternity leave with DS2!)

I hope you get something sorted (it is coming to an expensive time of year again)!

I too find this- dh works ft and me pt we get paid and are left with £10 per month after all bills are paid, shopping is in gas/electric

aint worth it at all

Usually? No.

I dont think it is..whatever I earn in wages is taken away from the TC...Id rather not bother but I do anyway because its only a couple of days a week and I enjoy it. Glad I do like it, really glad.