16 hour week- better off? (UK)

[ForeverAutumn]

Hi all..need some advice!!

Im returning to work this summer after having my little boy. Now, I intend on dropping my hours to perhaps work a 3 day rather than 5 day week.

My hubby and I have been looking at finances and its going to be tight financially, especially when you add childcare costs.

I wondered, if I was to do a 2.5 day week instead(say 16 hrs a week) would I actually be better off? What would the benefits of this be? Someone said that if I work 16 hours instead i could get tax credits and help towards childcare costs but im unsure how true this is and if that only applies to single mums....does anyone know? Need to know ASAP really

Thanks in advance

 

[pollydolly]

Google benefits advisor and do it as though you're working 16 hours it'll tell you what you're entitled to, it's crazy really, if my OH works a 12k a year job we end up better off (with benefits included) than if he got a 17-20k job because we wouldn't get ANY help.

Crazy! Hahaa xx

 

[ForeverAutumn]

Oh my god i tried that benefits adviser and gave up after a while what a nightmare to fill out! It wanted all my info which i think takes into account how well off we were when I was working full time but doesn't give me an idea on how we will be if i drop my hours

 

[pollydolly]

It is a nightmare ! I just adjust it how I see fit haha like if my oh is looking for a job I put in those hours and the pay to see what we'd come out with
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