LCWRA and self employment question

Sammyg86

Hiya
I get lcwra for my anxiety and the fact my son has additional needs which mean I sometimes have to be available to collect from school early.
I have the opportunity to rent a room in a salon as a beauty therapist but wondering if this would affect my benefits. 

Albus_Scope

Hi @sammy86 and welcome to the community.

That's great news about the room to rent! With regard to your benefits, it could affect your LCWRA if the DWP think your working in the salon goes against what was said in your assessment. I'd say it would be best to speak to the CAB or your UC coach about this, just to be on the safe side. 

Sammyg86

That's a good idea. Thank you for your reply

poppy123456

You will need to make sure you report the changes if you start working. As self employed you will be expected to attend an appointment with a work coach at your local Job centre to talk about the work you intend to do. 

You will also be expected to report your earnings and expenses on your journal on the last day of each assessment period. self-employment-and-universal-credit

You will have the work allowance also, which means part of the earnings you receive each month will be ignored before the 55% deductions apply. If you claim for help with the rent it will be £404/month, if you don't it will be £673/month. 

Sammyg86

Thanks poppy. So one thing I worry is that it's a flop and after 6 months, I shut up shop. Am I in any worse position? 

poppy123456

As you've already been found to have LCWRA then leaving employment will not affect your UC and you will not be sanctioned.