Part time working and benefits claims

[ZebsRoomofHerOwn]

I'm about to be made redundant and intend to sign on immediately to claim the full package of benefits (hell, I've paid enough in tax over the years). I understand that you are also allowed to work a maximum number of hours per week without losing those entitlements. Does anyone know what those hours are, and also what the maximum amount of income you can receive from this is - I'm assuming that the tight b*tads at the Treasury have a ceiling.

Many thanks for any input on this.

I'm pretty sure it's 16 hours per week.

But, I have a feeling that, whatever you earn, will be taken off your benefits.

I'm not certain of that, but it's certainly how it worked with maternity allowance. I worked my 'keeping in touch' days and the money I earned was then deducted from my 'allowance'

God this is beginning to sound complicated. I just spoke to the job centre, and I need to sit down with one of their guys to do the maths on earnings and feasibility and tax credits and stuff. It might just be easier to be a single unemployed mum!

It isn't really down to the number of hours.

Basically, you can earn up to £20 a week, anything more will be deducted from your benefits.

The 16 hours thing is more that you aren't entitled to working tax credits until you work 16 hours or more.

Zebs - sadly, it is often easier to just stay unemployed.

And, the 'system' seems to be geared to that. I recently had an interview for JSA, but I called up to cancel, because I'm pregnant again (and therefore not going to be looking for work) and I was TOLD - but you can claim until May and I said 'but I'm NOT looking for work' and the job centre person just said 'but you are eligble'...

HOW can I be eligble for JSA when I am NOT job seeking!!!??!

So, sad, as it is, I think you are right.

Blimey, it's a nightmare. I can't establish exactly what I can do or am 'entitled' to (I HATE that word), until I officially sign on and sit down with someone who then works out what my options are.

I'm an intelligent human being, and I think this is way over-complicated. Frankly, if benefit cheats are able to work the system, they're probably entitled to it on the basis that they 've succeeded in figuring out how on earth it all works in the first place.