Hi, my name is Ellen, I need some advice about reporting business income and UC

ellensavva

I really need some help, please.I have quite a complicated case so will try and keep it simple. I am disabled recieve PIP and have a motability car. I have had major hip surgeries and now awaiting a double hip replacement but in rhe last three years have some kind of neurological condition still under investigation. I have only partial feeling in left leg cant really stand or walk and been in a wheelchair for a few years to get around. 

My husband always worked full time same job for 34 years. And has had to give this up six months ago as I needed help and he has become my full time carer. This was devastating for us as I also gave up my part time work too as I was just unable to do it anymore. I had a number of falls the last one landed me in A&E as I tore a muscle in my shoulder from landing on my hands. 

We have had to make a claim for universal credit. We have applied for the limited capability to work element but so far after a month nothing........

We are struggling to survive to be honest. This month we inky have 150 for food. Anyway I jjst got an email to ask for mine and my husbands earnings for the last year. Will this affect my payments? Why do they want this? I own a business but don't take a wage as I'm not working and had to employ somebody to take over my shifts some time ago now. The business does not make enough money to pay me to do nothing. I gave the UC my end of year accounts to show we are still in 29K of losses bought forward. 

Why do they need this information as we both worked at the time. It cant affect my current situation or my disability do Why do they need rhis? 

Any help welcome as really struggling 

woodbine

It sounds like a fairly complicated situation financially and I'm afraid you will have to continue to supply the info they ask for until they sort it out, would it be possible to sell the business or does it have assets?

poppy123456

The reason they are asking about earnings for the past months is because of the benefit cap. Although this won't apply to you anyway because you're claiming PIP. You will still need to give them the information they are asking for.

What does concern me is that you own a business so you'll be classed as self employed. This means you should be reporting your earnings and expenses on the last day of each assessment period. Your yearly accounts are irrelevant for UC purposes because it's based on monthly earnings.

Please see link. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-self-employment-quick-guide/universal-credit-and-self-employment-quick-guide

edit to add, have you reported your health condition and provided a fit note? You will need to continue with the fit notes until a decision is made on the work capability assessment.

poppy123456

woodbine said:

would it be possible to sell the business or does it have assets?

Yes, capital in the business is another concern.