Working with disabilities & UC

Losingallhope

Hi everyone I was wondering about working self employed & being on UC & in the capability for work bracket. I'm on the higher rate for UC I get an extra £400 a month I have two critical health issues on top of other health issues including symptoms of ME/CFS (awaiting diagnosis)

I have days /times I'm able to function enough to print 3D items that I want to sell & be self employed it would be that I could work for a few hours a week selling items online. There's no way I could ever do a full time job or even commit to part time work again due to my health but if I can work self employed even for a few hours a week I would love it be able to just for my own sanity. I wouldn't make much doing this but my concern is if I started the dwp might say I'm fit for work & take my benefit off me I couldn't afford that. What are the rules around working self employed & being able to keep the sickness aspect of UC thanks

poppy123456

There's no maximum amount of hours you can work while you have LCWRA. As long as the work you do doesn't contradict the reasons why you were found to have this, it should be ok.

You'll have the work allowance, which means a certain amount of earnings you receive each month will be ignored. If you claim for help with your rent it will be £404/month, if you don't it will be £673/month. For every £1 of earnings over those amounts your UC will reduce by 55p.

If you start working you must report the changes. As you have LCWRA you can't be found gainfully self employed. You may still be asked to attend a very brief appointment with a work coach. You will also need to report your earnings and expenses on the last day of each assessment period.

Losingallhope

Thanks Poppy always very quick to respond to my queries.

That's my issue "As long as the work you do doesn't contradict the reasons why you were found to have this" is up for interpretation & at the discretion of DWP

I suffer with chronic fatige which can be up & down there's no way I could work full time or even part time as every day is different what I can do is work for an hour here & there when I'm feeling well enough which would probably only equate to 3/4 hours a week at home my concern is they could say if I can work at all, then maybe I can work in some capacity for an employer & try to force me into work I know I can't do, I'm so scared of losing money but also want to contribute in a small way for the well being of my mental health which has suffered a great deal due to my health issues & inability to be in employment

Emilee

As long as you can explain how it does not contradict your reasons for claiming, it will not be an issue. Your explanation is perfect and demonstrates that you could not work reliably the majority of the time and the work you are doing is in the rare times you feel well and able to.

Losingallhope

Thank you I'll consider this I am so afraid of even choosing to work due to the dwp but I need to at the same time