How does freelance work affect JSA?

Steve_Roberts_3

I have recently been made redundant, and in my line of work (computer graphics) it looks likely that I will need to make ends meet (at least for the foreseeable) on short term contract or freelance work.

If I take on this type of work, what is the situation with JSA? Do I sign off when I start a contract, and immediately sign on again when I finish a job? What are the tax implications (I imagine I will be paid gross)?

If I do this type of work, do I then have to register with the revenue as self-employed (and if so, how?)? And can a 'self-employed' person (even one between contracts) sign on?

Golly - complicated, isn't it?

Horace

With regard to self employment you need to register with HMRC within 3 months of starting a business.

As for JSA - I am not sure, I have been unemployed for a while and have set up my own business but then I am on the New Deal programme which means that I get JSA plus a tiny training allowance to support me during my test trading period (nearly finished now thank god).

https://www.hmrc.gov.uk - tells you all you need to know about self employment. They are actually quite friendly, and you can go on free courses on self assement tax forms etc.

Check out your local chamber of commerce too as they help people set up their own business by offering free courses etc.