Children's
& Young People's Services
Extended Services In and Around Schools
Family Services
Working Benefits
If you want to work but are worried about losing your benefits, or already work and are finding it hard to make ends meet, find out about Working Benefits.
What are Working Benefits?
Everyone is aware that they are able to receive benefits if they are not working, but are you aware that you may also be able to receive benefits when you are in work? With the help of working benefits you can afford to move into work and stay in work. Working benefits are weekly, tax-free payments for working families with children. By providing help towards your everyday living expenses, rent, council tax and childcare charges; working benefits are designed to help make work pay.
Help with Bills
Childcare Costs – Many of these benefits will take into account your childcare costs. You must however be using childcare that is registered with Ofsted.
If you qualify for Working Tax Credit (WTC) you could be entitled to help with the costs of your childcare.
The amount you receive will depend on:
- How much you earn
- How much you spend on registered childcare
- The number of children you have under 14 (or 16 if the child has a special need), who are using registered childcare.
Types of Financial Help:
Working Tax Credit (WTC) – you could start receiving extra cash help through the WTC. To apply for the WTC, or to find out if you are eligible you should call HM Revenue & Customs helpline number on 0845 300 3900 or visit  www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits
The childcare element of the WTC is available to parents using registered or approved childcare.
Support From Your Employer - Many employers have chosen to offer their staff financial assistance that is exempt from Tax and National Insurance contributions for childcare. This support can be provided by offering Childcare Vouchers, Employer-Contracted Childcare, or Workplace Childcare Provision. Check with your employer whether they are able to offer any of these benefits. More information can be found at www.direct.gov.uk
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit - For people returning to work who have been receiving Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance for six months or more, the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit that you receive will continue for another four weeks after your job has begun. After this period you may still be entitled to benefits, but you will need to contact your local benefits office for an application form. You must return this form within eight days of your benefits ending, so remember to collect this form as soon as you are aware that you will be returning to work.
New Deal for Lone Parents - is aimed at lone parents on Income Support. New Deal Advisors offer a range of services to parents:
- Finding and choosing training to improve their skills.
- Designing personal action plans, to guide parents through the process of finding work.
- Assistance with writing CVs and preparing for interviews.
- Advice on "in work" benefits.
- Assistance with finding and choosing suitable childcare.
If you are returning to work in the near future and would like any assistance in finding suitable childcare, please call Bexley FIS where our information officers will be happy to assist you.
Other Useful Contacts:
- For more information on the New Deal for Lone Parents call the helpline on
- 0800 868868
- To find out more about Working Benefits contact
your local Social Security office, Job Centre or call Bexley Benefits Agency
on
- 020 8218 4700
- One Parent Families
- 0800 018 5026
- Maintenance & Money helpline
- 020 7428 5428
- Gingerbread Advice Line
- 020 7403 9500
- Lone Parents
- 020 8218 4700
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