CTC question re cutting my hours just under 16 ?

[Tinkerbellx]

Hi
I currently work 18.75 hrs a week and am a single parent .
I'm coping pretty well but my career demands a lot and sometimes I feel like I'm not coping that well ( as we all do I expect ! ) .
Anyway I know I won't be able to reduce to 16 hours it will only be 15 but that's below the limit for claiming CTC ..... but , I run two specialist clinics at work once a fortnight so I absolutely know that my hours will be way over 16 a week when averaged out over the month / year anyway .
Do I have to be contracted to more than 16 hours or just legitimately working more than 16 ?
I feel that the extra 2 days a month off would give me the breathing space I need for the next couple of years.
TIA

You mean working tax credits, there is no working hours limit on child tax credits. I think monthly average is OK. People who work term time only for example have to average.

I dont receive the working tax element as I think I earn too much . Just the ctc but just really thought you had to work at least 16 hrs ti claim ?
Thanks though I might reduce if I can .

It is hours worked not contracted for working tax credit. The pp is correct there is no working requirement for child tax credit.

They average it out, so if one week you normally work 10 hours, but the next 20, they would put you down as working 15 hours per week for example.

You need to be working a minimum of 16 hours to qualify for CTC help with childcare. If that doesn’t apply then I don’t think it effects CTC just for the children.

Daisy I do get help worth childcare .
Dad attends after school care every day .
Would this be okay too do you think if averaged out ?
Thanks everyone .

Childcare is working tax credit , you can average it yes, but if you don't end up working enough hours you will have an overpayment.

Averaging it out is fine, but keep records in case you are investigated (unlikely but not impossible). If you have to complete time sheets or similar at work, like my friend who's a solicitor or my friend in the civil service, even better.

You need to work 16 hours or more to qualify with childcare help. If you get switched to Universal credit then you may be required to work more hours depending on the age of your youngest child. I'm just warning you of this as everyone will be switched over eventually ( although it could ne some years away), but obviously may influence your decision on your hours now.