Ok, I've seen a lot of people on here slating people for sticking to part time work instead of getting a full time job. I only have one child at home and don't need child care. I'm 41 and my business failed in late 2009. I had a couple of years of hell doing anything I could (paper rounds, cleaning etc.) and then found a temping job 2 days per week early last year. In November this turned into full time temporary. I didn't think I'd be much better off but thought it may be around £20 per week.
Part time 16hrs with tax credits/HB/CTB: £1,617.
Full time 37.5hrs with tax credits/HB/CTB: £1,634.
That's an increase of £17 per month. My outgoings are £1,462 so i have a disposable income of £172 per month. My washing machine broke down in December, the clutch went on my car this month. I'm waiting to see what will happen in February. How do I pay for these repairs without getting into debt?
I live in fear that my temporary job will end. It was hard enough finding this job.
I will not stop working full time. I am battling for maintenance payments so that life can stop being a constant fight to stay on top.
I still get some housing benefit and Tax credits working full time. The only difference is in my own mind. I feel like a real member of society and love to work. I had 3 children and when my daughter was 3 and started nursery I got a part time job. I've always worked but was always frowned upon for being a single parent who fleeced the system. Seriously, I understand there are a lot of single parents out there that put themselves before their children (as a cab driver on minimum wage I would take them 'shopping') but there are also a lot of us that have truly struggled and done our best. I don't go out, I have no social life and do wonder what I will do when my daughter leaves for uni. I don't mind this because my kids come first. My eldest is at uni too, my middle child is on a bit of a self awareness journey (hmmmm) but hopefully will get on track soon.
I just wanted to show people a different view of single parents.
I really hope some of you can be a bit more understanding now. :D
(I can give you a breakdown of my outgoings if you think its high!)
Part time 16hrs with tax credits/HB/CTB: £1,617.
Full time 37.5hrs with tax credits/HB/CTB: £1,634.
That's an increase of £17 per month. My outgoings are £1,462 so i have a disposable income of £172 per month. My washing machine broke down in December, the clutch went on my car this month. I'm waiting to see what will happen in February. How do I pay for these repairs without getting into debt?
I live in fear that my temporary job will end. It was hard enough finding this job.
I will not stop working full time. I am battling for maintenance payments so that life can stop being a constant fight to stay on top.
I still get some housing benefit and Tax credits working full time. The only difference is in my own mind. I feel like a real member of society and love to work. I had 3 children and when my daughter was 3 and started nursery I got a part time job. I've always worked but was always frowned upon for being a single parent who fleeced the system. Seriously, I understand there are a lot of single parents out there that put themselves before their children (as a cab driver on minimum wage I would take them 'shopping') but there are also a lot of us that have truly struggled and done our best. I don't go out, I have no social life and do wonder what I will do when my daughter leaves for uni. I don't mind this because my kids come first. My eldest is at uni too, my middle child is on a bit of a self awareness journey (hmmmm) but hopefully will get on track soon.
I just wanted to show people a different view of single parents.
I really hope some of you can be a bit more understanding now. :D
(I can give you a breakdown of my outgoings if you think its high!)