Having UC/PIP paid into a sole traders business account? I am self employed

mjh2222

Hi

I am self employed and on UC and PIP, is it ok to call them and ask them to be paid into my sole trader business account instead of my normal current account?  I am not closing my normal account I just want to be paid where my self employment money gets paid into so it is all together to make it easier to manage.

Will they need to reasses my claims or anything? Will I still be paid next week as normal if I do that?

thanks

calcotti

Before they accept a new bank account I think you will have to go into JobCentre with proof of the account. Any change is very unlikely to get processed in time for a payment due next week.

mjh2222

Hi,

Thanks for that, I do not mind where I am paid next week, it is more for the payment afterwards and onwards.

I have LCWRA, would I still need to attend the job centre?  Just to show them my card?  I do not get on with my work coach and avoid her like the plague so how can I do this?

Thanks

MarkM88

I advise checking the terms and conditions of the business account before you do, just to check it can be used for things like payments for benefits. 

I’ve read some terms on some bank websites that say it should be used for business use only. 

calcotti

mjh2222 said:

I have LCWRA, would I still need to attend the job centre?  

Whether or not you have LCWRA has no relevance to verification of a bank account.

poppy123456

MarkM88 said:

I advise checking the terms and conditions of the business account before you do, just to check it can be used for things like payments for benefits. 

I’ve read some terms on some bank websites that say it should be used for business use only. 

I agree with this. Before doing anything you need to check that you can do this. If you don't you could find your business acount being closed.

mjh2222

Thank you Mark that’s actually a very good point which I didn’t think of.

I will call the bank first before anyone else.

Thanks everyone and have a nice evening 

chiarieds

Hi @mjh2222 - just to add to the comments above, & having been self-employed for some 30+ years (in the latter part having received DLA then later PIP), then I can only say that there needs to be a separation between your 'personal' & 'business' accounts. Certainly PIP should continue to go into a personal account, tho I have no personal knowledge about UC.

What HMRC need (& I hope you use an accountant) are simple accounts as to your income & expenditure. As PIP is not means tested it won't be taken into account, but as I say, I don't know about UC. A good accountant won't cost you much if you're prepared to do simple, accurate accounts (mine cost £91 last year), but they will also advise you, so well worth it imho. Normally my accountant & I also meet once a year, but recently due to the pandemic we've talked over the phone on a couple of occasions instead. A good accountant  is really well worth having.