Phased return to work. Limited capability. Tax credit advice anyone?

[Lisalou19]

In a nutshell

I’m currently in the process of a phased return to work for the remainder of my SSP entitlement.

I’ve had to be honest due to fatigue and brain fog I’m unable to do the work I was originally employed to do. It’s quite heart breaking as I mid ways studying and this job was perfect to help me complete my studies. Fingers crossed one day I can do it.

How does the 16 hour disability element of working tax credits work? Does anyone know

Thank you

X

[misty14]

Hi Lisa, it's hard being ill and having to be brave at work realising we can't do what we used to!. I did 3/4 of the training to be an advisor at my voluntary job and ill health stopped me completing it and I've not been well enough to go back to it . it's a goal I've set myself as it's something I want to do like you have and , it's frustrating we can't at the moment but good we have these future plans!. It helps keep us going and I find too it's good to tell the medics what we want to do!. They usually are more willing to help.

Citizens Advice will tell you about the working tax credits and 16 hour rule for disabilities if you give them a call. I do hope your health improves soon. Xx

[Lisalou19 in reply to misty14]

I don’t find CAB too helpful. Maybe not the right person x

[Hamptons]

as I understand it’s 16 hours or up to a financial limit. So if your hourly wage hits that limit at 5 hours that would be it. Citizens advice website is detailed.

[Lisalou19 in reply to Hamptons]

It doesn’t make sense to me 🙄

I tick the box for ssp for 28 weeks

I also can not work a full week

And my wages will decrease as I’m not fit to do the job I was employed to do 😢 but they have offered me a low impact job which doesn’t require deadlines and doesn’t use to much mental strength

Not sure if this covers it

Finding it so difficult to go to work if I’m honest 😔x

[WinterSwimmer]

I get disability tax credits for 16 hours. I run a one-woman editing business that sometimes gives me more hours than that and at other times less. But it balances out over the year, I think. My understanding is that you have to earn the equivalent of the minimum wage for the hours you are claiming tax credits for. And 16 hours is the least number of hours you can opt for. It’s not generous, but it does really help to pay the bills. I do sympathise with your disappointment at not being able to do what you want/are qualified for. I think a lot of people here would say they are in the same boat. I used to teach in higher education - now I read PhD proofs (which I enjoy, has no travelling involved, and only as much stress as I impose on myself because I decide whether to take on a client or not). I earn peanuts. But for me it is better to work and feel useful than not to work and feel pointless. Good luck with it all. There is life after a lupus diagnosis - just not as we knew it.

[Lisalou19 in reply to WinterSwimmer]

Thank you for sharing. And well done for finding something that suits you and keeps the cogs turning xx