is is true you have to work

[rozia]

24 hours + to get tax credits from April, and not 16 hours +?

[sunny-dave]

Only if you are a couple - then your total hours have to be 24 with one of you doing at least 16.

For single parents the 16 hour rule is unchanged.

[carolegif]

Yes, there has been quite a fuss about it as it will hit poorer families, especially as people are having their hours cut during this recession.

[rozia]

ok, thats a relief, we are both working more than 24 between us, just annoys me that it could affect people who have had their hours cut, as no one is willing to take on more staff with more hours anywhere.

[Mrsspagnoli57]

As I am aware the 24 hour rule is for couples. One muse still work 16hrs or more but to claim as a couple both partners hours must exceed 24. I work 16 my husband works 6 and is desperately trying to get an increase before 21st March when our working tax credit will end unless he can get a few more hours. Its a sickener really-we claim no other benefit and are paying our way as best we can. Its watch this space for us, fingers crossed the extra few hours can be found-I already have 2 jobs to make the 16 hrs but have also applied for a weekend job.....free time? thing of the past.

[sunny-dave]

It's madness - a real disincentive to work - many people will now be better off not working at all ...

... and 'the party of the family' is putting people in a situation where they may have to split up their family to retain their working tax credit.

[sunny-dave]

As usual the 'dole bludgers' who play the system will not be affected at all, whereas honest families, who want to combine work with bringing up their children, will see another hit to their living standards ... grrrrrrr :+(

[rozia]

well someone i know said, it wont affect her, she doesnt work and wakes up when she likes, and just draws her benefits and enjoys quality time with her kids....this made me sick, and bit guilty, coz i hardly see my kids, im at work in half terms and by the time im back and organised, its time for tea and bed....this is because i want good for my kids and want them to grow up knowing work is better paid than benefits, at this rate i might just join the dole queue !!! im so sick of it now.....

[bednobs]

how can you say you have no free time mrs pag, when between you you only work 24 hours a week??????!!?!?! that's abput 1/2 of what some people work (1 person!)

[jewellerjim]

i agree with bedknobs. I am sorry but we are not a rich family by any means - I work roughly 50 hours a week at an unskilled job and my husband the same amount (self employed) to bring up our three kids and keep a roof over our head. We have two at university and NO help whatsoever. I am sorry but I believe that people's children and expenses should be their own responsibility and not the states.