Is it acceptable to turn down extra hours at work?

[CrystalVision4]

I currently work 16 hours a week and receive universal credit and council tax benefit. My boss has asked me to go up to 4 days, which we had discussed prior to me starting but he decided on 2 days. Initially I wanted 4 days, but now I realise that by upping my hours I will only be $25 a week better off and lose my Universal credit. That should be in pounds not dollars as Im in the UK, my laptop is American though.

My question is, how do I turn down the extra 2 days tactfully? Im a bit of a pushover and really Im happy with things as they are. Is it acceptable to turn the hours down? I love the job but I don't want to work more hours when it isn't really worth my while.

Thanks in advance.

Are you able and might feel happier working 4 days a week and being financially independent

So are you saying basically that you'd rather receive more benefits for not working extra hours?

You won't be worse off. You will lose some UC but not all of it.

Well no really, i have some family commitments at the moment as well so the extra time helps.

The website I looked at says I would lose all of the benefits if I work 24 or 32 hours. Working 37.5 hours would be better but thats not available at the moment apparently. I dont understand how this all works to be honest, I have never claimed before. Initially I was offered 4 days, but my employer slashed it to 2. I was in a bit of a panic, but then when I looked into it there is help available. Sorry if it offends anyone.

Have you got dc op who this affect childcare?

Say that then. Depends if you would want to revisit it down the line. There are people here who will slate you for having benefits, but if you've weighed it up and are happy, roll with it. Do t forget pension though, if you don't work much now, you'll probably be poor when you're old. Of you have a way round that, go for it!

I’d be a bit wary of being heavily reliant on benefits because it’s possible that they could be altered/reduced by the chancellor. So I’d go for financial independence and the additional £25 pw. It’s not an easy decision though.

UC is based on your income not the hours you work. Are you better off working 32hrs a week with other work benefits like holiday pension and sickpay. You might still get council tax relief or other benefits depending on your circumstances. I wouldnt stay on reduced hours just to claim the top UC rate if you dont really need it.

I have always been poor and always worked 40 plus hours a week :). I just got my degree and a new job just the hours seem very iffy and Im dubious about messing things up. I dont think thats a bad thing to be honest. I never sought help before, never even thought about it. Though my circumstances changed a few months ago when I split with my partner. I'll have a good think and see how it goes. I do see what you mean by being financially independent. And yes, I have an 8 year old and am single.

I worry about a pension too actually, that is certainly something to consider.

When I looked on the "entitled to" website, it said at 32 hours there would be no help.

I have always been poor and always worked 40 plus hours a week :). I just got my degree and a new job just the hours seem very iffy and Im dubious about messing things up. I dont think thats a bad thing to be honest. I never sought help before, never even thought about it. Though my circumstances changed a few months ago when I split with my partner

Ah see now that makes more sense. Do what you feel comfortable with OP, let them know that it doesn't work for you but thanks anyway

That's not true you can work full time and still get help if you don't earn enough. Not sure of the actual numbers but as an example, you earn 500 and then for every £1 you earn over that you lose 60p universal credit, so it is beneficial to work more hours usually x

I do think women particularly need to think longer term about finances. Part time and career gaps really hurt you in your career and many more women are poorer in later life than men. I have always tried to work a bit more than I had to. It means that now in my forties, my career is doing much better than people who had breaks. I did take a year with DD but did some contract pierces so never actually completely without work.

TL:DR take the extra hours.

How can you find out? Im just confused by it all to be honest. Everything is online, theres no one to talk to.

Im going to have a good think about it all, need to stop worrying today. Im such a stresshead at the moment.

No need to worry. Get the information, make a decision based on your best interests. Tell work.

You would also need to consider the extrachildcare in holidays.

Go onto universal credit essentials on facebook your entitlement depends on rent children childcare wages etc

There is an online benefits calculator you can use or look up working single parent benefits. You will still get council tax relief as a single person and your dc gets benefits. Just make a list of your outgoings and what you are bringing in including your wages at 16 and 32hrs.

You can also go through Citizens Advice

Thanks for all the advice, I think Ill probably take the extra days, looks like I worked it out wrongly! :)