lots of questions JSA + self employment

bargainaddict

Hi guys, my OH is going self-employed in approx 2 months as a driving instructor. He took redundancy last year and we have been living off that to pay mortgage etc. We are now in the position that we could pay outright for his car (approx £10000) but then we would have nothing to live on as his business builds up, so we will need a business loan.

I am looking for a part time job to help. Am I better doing under 16 hours or over. We have 3 kids, 1 is 18 and at college. I don't understand the rules about tax credits and how many hours you can work etc.

He applied for JSA in FEB and was turned down cos of his training. We appealed and finally won and he received 7 weeks money but had to sign off when we went on holiday and never signed on again cos he had been told by job centre we wasn't entitled.

Another job centre has told him to sign on again now but how will his JSA be affected (if he gets it) if I work?

Also, once he is up and running, he obviously won't be earning much at the beginning, will we be able to claim income support to top up his earnings.

Sorry to waffle on, and we really do appreciate all the help we get on this site.

peter999

I think if you (wife) work 24+ hours/week, he cannot get JSA.

I have seen a message on this board about this.

bargainaddict

Thanks, I was looking on the site but couldn't find anything. I had interview this afternoon for 15hours a week job. Should know in a few days.