going back to work

[carliex]

i am a single parent of one, i am going back to work 16 hours aweek next monday and would like to know if any one has been in the same position and could give me some advice. i would like to know how it will affect housing benefit and i have also been told my income support will stop the day i start back to work and my working tax credit will start to be calulated does this mean i will go amonth without any money coming in? as i get paid monthly from my job aswel.

[looby1914]

I might be wrong but I always thought that you could work upto 16 hours per week and it wouldnt affect your benefits. I could be wrong. Obviously you would have to inform Income Support if that is the benefit you are receiving. Go in to your local jobcentre and ask to speak to your advisor

[momcj]

You have to work at least 16 hours to get working tax credit, you should also be entitled to child tax credit. You can estimate how much this will be online if you fill in questionnaire on www.hmrc .gov.uk. I think your income support will stop, you should still get housing benfit but the amount may change. If you are worrying you will not have enough money for a month you can have your tax credits paid weekly. Also a tip with tax credits, is make sure you keep all corresponda]ence in a folder and inform them immediately of any change, then make sure you get written confirmation of the changes!
hope that helps x