Am i better off going back to work?

Hello Kay,

I apologise for the long answer...

First of all, I want to commend you for exploring the avenues of returning to work, rather than staying on benefits (which incidentally I do not blame you for at all). There are many people in your position, but seldom few who wish to strive out on their own and escape the Government's safety net. I admire your drive in wanting a good life for your child. Ignore the bemoaning idiots trying to put you down.

If you were to work, and at no more than 16 hours a week, your finances would have a marginal difference to how they currently stand, but I expect it wouldn't be to your favour. You will not have your Housing or Council Tax benefits taken away, but your earnings will affect them, though not by a great deal. Your Tax Credits may also be reduced, but your Child Benefit and Income Support should stay as they are. Your benefits will only change drastically if you were to work full time.

The reduction in Housing and Council Tax benefits will be relatively small for someone working less than 16 hours a week, as opposed to somebody working full time. The main change will be your Housing Benefit - your earnings will be taken into consideration and your benefit adjusted accordingly. Your Council Tax shouldn't be affected too much because you are in receipt of Income Support (which shouldn't be reduced).

You will most likely find that whatever the benefit reductions are, they will be very similar to how much your job pays. In essence, the changes in your finances shouldn't be too great, but you will probably be worse off by working.

I suggest you obtain advice from the relevant benefit departments to get the required figures before you make the choice about working or not. Though all benefits fundamentally come from the same source, you get Housing and Council Tax benefits from your local Council, Income Support via the Jobcentre, and Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits from HM Revenue & Customs.

They will be able to provide you a more accurate assessment than I can, because I do not know your personal circumstances/details. I have provided links to those departments below.

Finances aside, the main difference I believe, is that you will probably get more satisfaction and feel more independent working for your money than having it handed to you. As you actually want to work, I sense you realise this too.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you and your baby well.

Even though I dissagree with folk who insist on staying on benefits, I DO understand why you do it. Unless you can land a job with very high pay, you will always be better off claiming, with all the nasty everyday bills being paid for you. My mate was a housewife, bringing up her four kids and was desperate to get back out to work. When she started applying for jobs, she found out that if she were to take even a full time position in the retail sector, she would be down £50 per week, after taking into account, rent, council tax etc.. This is absolutely no motivation for folk to go back out to work. Something needs to be done with the system so that you are not penalised for wanting to earn a living.. On the other hand, I get totally peed off with the single, still at home eejits who have no interest in gaining any sort of employment. They certainly know how to work the system.. Good luck in the future...

Working is the right thing to do. Part of building a good life for you child is setting an example and creating values system. This includes a work ethic.

If you have a computer at home you can start your own little part time business, on anything, transcribing, medical billing, bookkeeping, these things do not require higher level education but you should have some experience. My suggestion, go to work part time at an accounting office, learn the ropes, and start your own little shop at home with maybe one client. But to find out about your benefits you should call directly those agencies, eventually you will be better off working, because those benefits are just get you back on your feet. You are a very good mother not wanting to leave your baby with someone else for long. Good for you. Good Luck! and Congrats on your new baby!

answer to your header only----DUH!!!!!!!!!

who provides for you better? you, or the gov't?

NO BRAINER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!