Does anyone have any experience of doing a little self-employed work but still relying quite heavily on benefits? I would like to practise just a couple of hours a week as a Medical Herbalist and probably may not even make any profit (maybe even a loss)because of buying the medicines, professional fees, therapy room rental. It's not really something I could do as voluntary work because of these necessary expenses, but I really want to be able to practise a bit. Does anyone have any idea how this would fit in with benefits. I'm currently still on Incapacity Benefit, DLA & means-tested benefits. Do I still have to declare this - how does it work?
I'd love to hear any advice, experiences with a gradual move towards the wolrd of work.
COMMENTS
Re: Fw - Wellies Noticeboard: self-employed work when on benefits
I've been doing self employed work whilst on Incapacity Benefit & DLA. I did a small research project under 'Permitted work rules' and currently doing a little as therapeutic work. For Permitted work, I notified Job Centre Plus and had to complete a form giving details of what I was doing, how many hours I would work and how much I was earning. They are obviously more used to dealing with regular employment so I did also have to write a letter setting it all out especially the hours and costs involved, but once it was agreed I didn't hear any more and my benefit continued. I think the critical bit is showing that you are working less than 16 hours a week and earning less than their earnings limit. I got information about this from AfME and Job Center Plus which helped. I'm not on means tested benefit so can't comment on how it might affect that. Self employment has meant I can do a little work and have control over when and how I do it, so it has been worth the effort for me.
Good luck with it.
Good luck with it.
Re: self-employed work when on benefits
As I recovered I did permitted work (then it changed its title, forget what to) by giving gardening talks occasionally whislt keeping incapacity benefit. As I improved I did more work, phoning for rep appts from home for my old company as well as gardening talks........that's when it started to become 'tight' as I was working up to max permitted income and, poss, time. I had then to send DWP timesheets and incomes, vs expenditure (for taking slides, equipment etc).....for example, time taken in carrying equipment downstairs (even tho' I always did it only when I happened to be going downstairs) DID count as 'working time', yet the actual car journey (which was up to 1 hour) DIDN'T. Job centre disabled counseller marvellous in accessing grants etc to get me working in this way, and supporting me thro' DWP hassles. Even better when accessing help for the next part of my working journey......................
I became well enough to work part-time, but not well enough for the job market: eg applying for a 4hr part-time job, I asked if I could do the 4 hours as 2 x 2hrs with an unpaid break between. They looked at me daft....as well they might! Instead I was 'pushed' into self-employment, turning my hobbies into income......or that's the theory! After 1 year trading I'm still at the loss-making side, but I've had a wondeful time! Meanwhile, I took the step because I turned 50yo and so could claim working tax credits as I started a business AND because I was coming off benefits. We get more with that than the incapacity benefit I was on (about £100/week not £70).
I became well enough to work part-time, but not well enough for the job market: eg applying for a 4hr part-time job, I asked if I could do the 4 hours as 2 x 2hrs with an unpaid break between. They looked at me daft....as well they might! Instead I was 'pushed' into self-employment, turning my hobbies into income......or that's the theory! After 1 year trading I'm still at the loss-making side, but I've had a wondeful time! Meanwhile, I took the step because I turned 50yo and so could claim working tax credits as I started a business AND because I was coming off benefits. We get more with that than the incapacity benefit I was on (about £100/week not £70).
