shorter working week?

[swannyadams]

been thinking that with discussions on going regarding proposals for a shorter working week the union have taken into consideration the hundreds of posties who currently receive working family tax credits.i am led to believe in order to receive these credits you have to work a minimum of a 40 hours per week.just wonder if anyone out there has any thoughts on this?

[Sick Postie]

According to the tax credit form it depends on whether you work at least 16 hours but under 30 hours a week or 30 hours a week or more. So unless that changes it won't make a difference to how much you get. That would not be good, getting a shorter week but getting less tax credits too.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Working Tax Credit http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/you ... n_work.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Who can get Working Tax Credit

You can get Working Tax Credit if you or your partner are working enough hours a week and your income is low enough. You don't need to have children to qualify. It doesn't matter whether you are working for someone- else or self-employed.

If you are not sure about your right to claim Working Tax Credit because of your immigration status, you should consult an experienced adviser - for example, at a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on nearest CAB.
The number of hours a week you have to work to be able to get Working Tax Credit depend on your circumstances. There are four different ways you can qualify:-

If you are 16 or over and you work 16 hours or more a week, you can get Working Tax Credit if you are responsible for a child or young person (see under heading Working Tax Credit if you are responsible for a child)

If you are 16 or over and you work 16 hours or more a week, you can also get Working Tax Credit if you are disabled, and you get a qualifying benefit (see under heading Working Tax Credit if you are disabled)

If you are 50 or over, you work 16 hours or more a week and you started work within the last three months, you can get Working Tax Credit if you were getting certain benefits for at least six months before you started work (see under heading Working Tax Credit if you are over 50)

If you are 25 or over and you work 30 hours or more a week you may get Working Tax Credit. In this case, you do not have to have a child in order to claim, but you do have to work enough hours.

There is an online questionnaire you can use to find out if you might qualify for WTC. Go to HM Revenue and Custom's website at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

[swannyadams]

thank you.