minimum earnings and self employment and it's affect on my benefit

locifer
locifer Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
edited August 26 in Benefits and income

Hi, I've joined this community because I'm disabled and on Uc. I've searched for help and advice regarding minimum earnings and self employment and it's affect on my benefits. It's daunting and scary to make the leap when you rely on the support!

I'm currently in touch with CAB and they are proving a little unhelpful. They will not take google searches as fact.

Jeeze

Any help appreciated.

🙂

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Comments

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 5,683 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @locifer and a warm welcome to the community from me!

    Self employment and benefits can be complex so it's understandable why it feels bit daunting! Is there anything in particular you would like to know?

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 6,389 Championing

    Hi,

    If you have UC LCWRA because of a health condition, you will be exempt from the Minimum Income Floor.

  • locifer
    locifer Community Member Posts: 9 Listener

    HiHi, thanks. I've had a tiny bit of advice from CAB. It was minimal!

    I knew about the minimal income floor from them, but thank you! 🙂

    What happens to pension? And is council tax reduction changed

    How difficult is it doing your own books?

    And, the dreaded reassessment!

    I don't want to be forced to change my income at any point.

    There's also some confusion about what happens after 1 year. Assumptions of 35 hours etc. Yes, it is daunting and the system doesn't encourage people enough in my opinion.

    I'm irregular due to health.

    So minimal therapeutic work is best. I enjoy doing art it helps.

    I'm quite good at tech too so this supports days I can't physically work.

    Lots of questions! 😄

    L

  • locifer
    locifer Community Member Posts: 9 Listener

    And, yes, I am exempt 🙂

  • locifer
    locifer Community Member Posts: 9 Listener

    Another one 😃

    Am I expected to attend the job centre? I'm anxious about this.

    My journal question " advice about self employment " answered thus;

    You have to declare yourself self employed before you get a work coach because you're in the LCWRA group.

    TTa

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 6,389 Championing

    Hi,

    The 35 hours assumption is the Minimum Income Floor. It doesn't apply to you.

    Council Tax Reduction is managed by your local council. You would have to check their rules specifically, CTR is not something we can advise on nationally.

    If you're getting UC then I assume you're not over state pension age. If you're getting a private pension, that will continue to affect UC in exactly the same way as it does now.

    On the final day of each UC Assessment Period you will have to declare your earnings for that month. Even if they are £0 you still have to declare them.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 6,389 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1147287#Comment_1147287

    You will usually be expected to contact the Job Centre when starting self employment, though it could be done via telephone instead of attending a Job Centre.

    Yes that info is correct, people on LCWRA don't have a Work Coach. You won't be expected to look for more work or complete any work related activity even if you are re-assigned a work coach. Your LCWRA status means you will remain exempt from those things.

  • locifer
    locifer Community Member Posts: 9 Listener

    Thanks everyone.

    I'm still hesitant . It feels like a big step.

    Anyone git any encourgement that's already self employed. Is it worth it and any surprises.

  • locifer
    locifer Community Member Posts: 9 Listener

    Oh, I meant to ask. If i decide it's not for me. Do my benefits go back to/ stay the way they were/are?

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 6,389 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1148641#Comment_1148641

    Yes.

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