Carer and self employment

dpd76

hello i am a carer doing 35 hours per week for my wife and also self employed doing around 15-20 hours per week, do i still need to attend self emplyment interviews regarding my minimum income floor as i have received one through my journal. My wife is in receipt of LCWRA element and PIP.

Albus_Scope

Hey there @dpd76 and welcome to the community. 😊

I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you, as I'm still learning the ins and outs of UC myself, but hopefully one of the community will be able to give you an answer soon.

dpd76

ok thanks

poppy123456

As a carer, if you're claiming carers element of UC then you have no work commitments. You also can't be found gainfully self employed and the minimum income floor will not apply to you.

Does her PIP include daily living and does your UC include carers element?

dpd76

The UC includes carers element, Pip includes daily living and mobility they have requested i go in to discuss my current situation

dpd76

do i need to attend ?

poppy123456

You have no work commitments so shouldn't be expected to attend any appointments. Unless you're new self employed and it's a first time gateway appointment.

If it isn't then put a message onto your journal and remind them that you're a carer and do not need to attend appointments.

dpd76

ive put in journal and this is reply

Yes you need to attend and discuss your situation with your Work Coach.

dpd76

Yes you need to attend and discuss your situation with your Work Coach.

dpd76

Yes you need to attend and discuss your situation with your Work Coach.

poppy123456

What situation? Unless they are talking about your self employed work but that doesn't make any sense because you have no work commitments. The Minimum Income floor doesn't apply because you're a carer.

dpd76

what should i do , im confused

poppy123456

Ask them what situation they need to discuss. Did you remind them that as a carer you have no commitments?

dpd76

hi can i still work partime 20 hours self employed and be a carer full time or is this not allowed .cant understand what im supposed to be discussing?

poppy123456

There's no maximum amount of hours or earnings when claiming carers element. The maximum earnings apply to carers allowance, which is a separate benefit.

dpd76

hi i need further advice regarding the above as ive asked universal about why im getting asked to come in for interview and they keep saying to review your situation but im a full time carer doing 15 hours self employed ?

poppy123456

Are you newly self employed? If so then yes it will be a gateway appointment which you'll need to attend.

If you're not and you've already attended that first gateway appointment then you do not need to attend. As a carer you're in the no work related requirements group, which means no appointments. See link.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/376/regulation/89

dpd76

hi poppy no im not new to self employment and ive had 2 self employment interviews with a work coach before ? Im puzzled why they keep asking me to go in

poppy123456

I'd advise you to send them that UC regulation I posted above. You should not need to attend appointments because you have no work requirements.

dpd76

ive received this

This is to check what you've done to increase your earnings compared to your Minimum Income Floor. We'll agree your next steps, including any extra support you may need.

ive made it clear min income floor doesnt apply .how clear do i need to be .

poppy123456

It's very frustrating! Are these messages from someone from the service centre? You can put in a complaint. Full details here.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/how_to_complain_about_universal_credit

Or contact your local MP and tell them what's happening. They will hopefully contact UC on your behalf and put a stop to this nonsense.

https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/

Or you can go to the appointment at tell them in person that you are a carer and the minimum income floor doesn't apply and you also shouldn't have any commitments. Then show them that UC regulation I linked to above.