i dont understand wat benefits im entitled to!!

[lovepink]

ive just started working nights only 11-15hrs a week( as my daughter is only 10 months) but ive been signed off with depression and i dont know if i should go back to work as i find it hard to deal will along with my everyday drama!! i just dont understand how much money id be entiltlied to!! i live with my partner but we dont get along the greatest so even though his wage is decent i dont get any of it and thats why i got a job but now i struggle!!

Benefits calculator!!! here

I would assume normal CTC/WTC (have a look on the entitled to calculator and stick in all your details)

Why don't you share his income? Do you have any access to finance at all, do you claim child benefit in your name etc?

I'd also question what is the point of a partner that keeps his money to himself and forces you to go short or claim benefits. If you don't get along well, maybe he's not helping your depression either?

When you're punching the numbers into the calculator do it as if you'd be on your own as well, just to compare. I did this yesterday and was very pleasantly surprised. Make sure you look at your housing benefit entitelment when you do it, and look at child maintenance too. I think you do need to be working 16 hours a week to be able to claim CTC/WTC etc though.

16 hours as a single parent claiming WTC. CTC is income-related, takes into account child-care costs/disability/etc. but isn't working hours related.

Thanks Cogito

thank you!! ye im not too sure why i am with a partner who doesnt share money but guess its easier to stay than leave just now.

Seriously.. look at the tax credits etc that you would be entitled to.