Esa and self employed. What's the process for declaring?

sassy

Hi,
I recently left my part time, permitted work due to illness. I'm on esa and pip.

I've started some online and telephone reviews work and need to declare asap. What is the process pls?

I think fill in pw1 form and then register as self employed at hmrc. I'm so scared to mess it all up, which is why is taken too long for me to put in the action here. I started 2 weeks ago, but put in my invoice to the company on 20th this month. 

I find all the info online vague and ambiguous so really need some easy and true direction if possible. 

Many thanks 
Sarah

Sue_Alumni

I don't really know the answer to your question and hope some other community members are able to step in and give some information. Does this fact sheet help ? 
Permitted work: factsheet - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

These 2 pages on our website may be of help:

• starting a business
• getting help with tax if you're self employed

Jo_2022

Hiya @sassy!  It’s lovely to have you join us on the community. I hope someone is able to answer your questions. 

sassy

Hi Sue_Scope I think somehow I have messaged you directly 😬 apologies. I don't know how to get that back and post on here as a reply... 

Tori_Scope

Could you copy the text from your message, and paste it into the comment box on this thread @sassy? That might be the easiest way of doing it. If you need any help, just give us a shout  

sassy

Tori_Scope... yes, found it! As below...

Thank you and thank you for the info. I've looked at these before and unfortunately not really been able to move forward. 

My understanding is yes you can be self employed and on esa. However some readings tell me only for 26 weeks as a test trade?. Is this still true? What happens after the 26 weeks?

Also registering as self employed has to be done within 1st Yr of trade but pw1 form asks for trader name. Also says you need uou need to submit pw1 before starting work but asap if you have started.. do i then register with hmrc then do pw1? How do I know all this is viable. I would look for a paye regular job if this plan may risk my current benefits. I fear moving forward without this knowledge.

So confusing. I just want to declare and be legal and not have my benefits affected but really don't understand the process..  

Is there a service that can help? Unfortunately I've been given wrong info from cab before..

Thanks
Sarah