I'm on PIP and UC LCWRA. I scared of swapping from benefits to self employment. Can I get any help?

Acupuncturerocks

Hi I’m on Pip for Ptsd severe anxiety. I’m also on UC lcfwawra.
I’m a trained Holistic therapist and have a treatment room in my own home. Unfortunately due to my husband and mum passing away and being left with no income I’m terrified of swapping from benefits to self employment as need to pay my rent and bills. Is there any help so I could achieve my dream one day ? Access to work grant ? 

Acupuncturerocks

It’s like I’m stuck in the benefit trap . I want to open my business but scared I’ll become homeless which is making my mental health worse 

poppy123456

Hi,

You mention you have no income but you're already claiming UC so you can work and claim this, there's no set amount of hours per week that you should work. Because you also claim LCWRA then you will have the work allowance, which will mean you can earn a certain amount each month before the 55% deductions apply.

If you rent your home you will be able to earn £335 per month or £557 if you don't.

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-your-earnings-affect-your-payments

I'm assuming you reported the changes that your husband passed away? Sorry for your loss also.

If you start working then you'll need to report this as a change of circumstances onto your journal. As self employed you will need to report your earnings and expenses onto your journal on the last day of your assessment period.

Your PIP won't be affected.

If the work you do contradicts the reasons why you're claiming LCWRA then it could go against you the next time you're reassessed.

Regarding access to work, it will depend on exactly what you're asking for. https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

Acupuncturerocks

I’m not going to be busy straight away if I go self employed. Also I’m scared of relapsing. If I don’t earn any money in one month do my benefits remain the same ? 

poppy123456

Acupuncturerocks said:

 If I don’t earn any money in one month do my benefits remain the same ? 

Yes because UC is based on earnings received during your assessment period. Please also take note of the work allowance mentioned above.

Acupuncturerocks

Will I still receive lcfwoawra amount if I start self employment? 

Also I’m on pip for mental health will be able to still claim as scared of relapsing?

poppy123456

The LCWRA element is in with your UC maximum amount. The work allowance means you can earn either £337 or £557 per month (depending on whether you rent or own your home) without your UC being affected. Any earnings over this amount will reduce the whole of your UC by 55%.

PIP is not affected unless the work you do contradicts the reasons why you're claiming it.

If you're claiming council tax reduction this maybe affected by any earnings you receive and you'll need to report the changes to your local Authority.

Acupuncturerocks

Ok thanks 😊 

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @Acupuncturerocks

I'm glad that you've been able to get some helpful advice from poppy123456! I hope that this has put your mind at ease a little. 

Along with this advice, I just wanted to point you towards our information and advice page on trying self employment, which you might find useful.

I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your mum and husband. That must be very difficult to deal with, especially as you've mentioned experiencing mental ill health too. Are you receiving enough support to help you manage your grief and mental health problems at the moment? If you need any support with working through grief, you might like to get in touch with Cruse bereavement care. 

Also, just to let you know, I've renamed your post and moved it into our benefits and financial support category.

janer1967

Hi 

I also note you rent your home so you will need to check your tenancy agreement that you are allowed to run a business from your home 

Acupuncturerocks

My landlord has no problem me working from home. Your right it’s the self employment thing that’s scaring me right now plus I’ve not worked for 23 years as I was a Carer for my mother and unfortunately more recently for my 45 year old husband . I am really passionate about my job but my health is important too. I’m a former Clinical Acupuncturist, Reiki master and also hypnotherapy so like helping people.

janer1967

You will also need public liability insurance if you are providing a service and possibly health and safety inspection of the premises 

There is a lot of red tape in starting a business where you will be having clients in your own home so I suggest you do research before considering this option 

Acupuncturerocks

I have public liability insurance and an acupuncture license from the council I’m looking starting in future