Hi, my name is JBramleyShaw! Will selling crafts affect my benefits?

JBramleyShaw

Hi,

I am new here and just after some advice. Ihavent't worked for a number of years due to mental and physical health problems. I was advised by a psychiatrist to take up a hobby to help with my mental health problems and I do enjoy crafting but it can be expensive. I used to sell some makes on facebook to cover the cost of materials and somebody reported me as working which was completely false, I had proof that I wasnt making any profit, so i have website on Shopify, I receive universal credit and personal disability payment.

However, would I be allowed to craft and sell crafts to cover costs or would that affect my universal credit and pip ? I rarely go out of the house and my mind never shuts off which leads to panic attacks etc. Crafting helps to occupy my mind a little but I dont know how it works. Do I have to inform them of outgoings/incomings, will they say you are fit for work if you are crafting at home etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Albus_Scope

Hey there @JBramleyShaw and welcome to the community.

You can make and sell items, that's no problem, you just need to make sure you accurately record any profits each month with the DWP.

So what is it you make? 😊

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

PIP/ADP aren't affected by earnings so nothing to worry about there.

For Universal Credit, you should inform them that you are working self-employed, and you will have to declare your earnings on the final day of each assessment period, even if they are £0 for that month.

You will have a Work Allowance of £411 (assuming you also get Housing Costs) so anything under £411 a month won't affect your UC payments at all.

JBramleyShaw

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1049188#Comment_1049188

I make necklaces, earrings, anklets, bracelets