Seeking to be self employed whilst claiming new style ESA and UC - options?

Marty632
Marty632 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
in Work

Hi all. I have been on benefits (housing, esa lcwra -now new style esa- and part UC) for over 20 years and am in the unusual position, for me, of feeling like I could work again being a dog walker. Only trouble is I don’t know where to start, what my options would be regarding if I have a bad week and can’t work, would the DWP be sympathetic to that bearing in mind I am trying to work again? What if I don’t earn enough to completely cover my bills and living expenses. No mortgage, I pay rent. I don’t want to end up homeless simply because I have a week where I am unwell again, if I come off benefits entirely.
I am wary of searching the gov. sites in case they track users.

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  • Santosha12
    Santosha12 Online Community Member Posts: 3,119 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/140882/seeking-to-be-self-employed-whilst-claiming-new-style-esa-and-uc-options

    Hi, have you considered looking at the permitted work rules which exist, I don't know exactly the amount you are allowed to earn but i think it's something like up to 16 hours a week and c 416.00 a month. You wouldn't be penalised then (not lose your benefits) if some weeks you couldn't work.

    The caveat of course is if working as a dog walker would contradict your health reasons for claiming benefits.

    I used to use the services of a 'dog sitter' regularly, I was very lucky as I was never let down in c 15 years. I now have two but only as back up/for emergencies. Your reliability could be quite crucial for any pet owners. Could it be worth considering as a 'hobby' initially, to see how you get on? Or if you know any dog owners see if you can walk their pet dogs and see how you get on. Sorry, not trying to to be negative.

    I wouldn't personally worry at looking at gov websites but you could get the correct/exact information about earnings/options from the CAB too.

    Warmest wishes to you and I hope it can work out for you.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 2,828 Scope Online Community Coordinator
    edited January 7

    Santosha has given some great advice there. Just to add to it, here's a link that explains Permitted Work https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-permitted-work-form/permitted-work-factsheet and here's a non-government link too Disability Rights UK

    Hope that helps.

  • Marty632
    Marty632 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener

    Thank you, I will ring CAB and see what they say- at least they’re impartial. I’m probably going to be able to earn what my bills cost, initially. Which doesn’t give me much scope if anything untoward occurs. I will ring the now.

  • Santosha12
    Santosha12 Online Community Member Posts: 3,119 Championing

    Good luck @Marty632 , I hope you find some options that can work for you.

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