Working 18.5 hours per week, is it worth me working another 6 hours??

[MaisiesMummy29]

Hi,
I am looking for some advice as I currently work 18.5 hours per week which fits around my daughter being in school. I have been offered an extra 6 hours per week taking my total weekly hours to 24.5. I am currently in receipt of child and working tax credits plus housing benefit. Does anybody know if any of my benefits would stop if I worked 24.5 hours? I am just thinking if it is worth working the extra hours? I would be great flu for anyone's advice if they have any knowledge on this?

I am sorry but I always feel that if it's a choice between working or claiming benefits I would rather work.

I wouldn't think your benefits would be affected much by working just six hours extra, depends on what you earn though.

Housing benefit may be reduced a bit, but the problem with this is that it can mean you have to pay council tax, so would wipe out anything extra you earn from doing these extra hours. Try putting both incomes into here and see which one works for you. www.entitledto.co.uk

I agree with Apple though, I'd rather work.

For the pure finances, run the new circumstances through the benefits checker at www.turn2us.org.uk and that should give you a good idea of the numbers. There are other things to consider e.g. will 24 hours make it easier to get a full time post in due course?

Agree with Cognito -by taking the extra hours you might be offered even more in the future. It will help secure your credibility in the job market-future job opportunities, and promotion.

Good luck!