this can't be right.... :/

[stephanie20]

I'm 29 weeks pregnant and when my daughter is born I want to try and find a part time job because I think I'll be better off than on benefits. I've just been on that website that tells you what benefits you're entitled to and I'm really confused

Its saying that if I work 16 hours a week I'll be on about £90 a week from my wages, plus £60 odd child tax credits, plus £150 odd working tax credits, £20 child benefits but that i'll also still get most of my rent and council tax paid for me i'v added it up and I'll be on about £300 a week after my rent and council tax is paid which is £1200 a month. I don't know how much nursery or childcare would be but i'v been researching and it seems typical costs are £500-£600 a month. I know how much my bills will be and after bills, childcare costs and what I think I'll be spending on food a month I'll still have at least £300 a month extra

I don't know but that can't be right :/ I'v been reading peoples stories on here about how they're struggling and I can't believe that I'd be on this much :/

Anyone think I've made a mistake or is that right? I'm really confused

 

[Dinah93]

Guessing from your status that you're a single mum? If there is no partner's income or maintenance to take into account those figures look possible, but you'd need to get someone at the jobcentre to confirm as your circumstances can make a big difference to what you et.

 

[xxembobxx]

When I was a single working parent I felt like I was rolling in money! It does usually pay to be working if you are single, the financial incentive goes when you get a partner as it's not cost effective to work unless you can pay childcare costs out of your wages and still have some left over :-/

 

[xxembobxx]

It was a while ago but I had a lone parent advisor who worked all entitlements out for me and helped with finding jobs.
I imagine they still have them at the job centre - well worth asking to speak to one as they can really help with the whole minefield!

 

[Stacey_Ann]

JCP can do a BOC for you (better of calculation) which will show if you're better off in work , by how much etc.
HTH xxx