Self employment from ESA

littlerat

I wasn't sure whether to put this on here or the benefits board but I think here is more relevent..

Obviously from the title I'm currently on ESA. Doctors are working on a couple of years for me to do anything, I'm not so keen on that timeframe.

Basically I was wondering how you go about money in this situation? Obviously I don't have many savings and won't have many, but long term (probably 6 - 12 months I guess) I'd like to start trying to do photography as a business as opposed to a hobby. I know it's oversubscribed etc and I know self employment is hard work, but I think it could suit be better (and sooner) than a standard job would.

I'm 18 (will be 19 by the time this has any hope of happening) if this makes a difference, but obviously it's not something predicting potential income is easy for, or how long it'd take to me able to live basically off the money.

I know there's some grants but would they give grants for something like photography?


Sorry for the slightly mixed up question just pre-asking for any advice on how it all works really!

Hammyman

There is a back to work bonus of about £250 and Return To Work Credit which is £40 tax free every week for 52 weeks. Unfortunately, you'll not qualify for tax credits but the RTWC should give you a reasonable amount and is comparable to EMA.

littlerat

Thanks, that's exactly the advice I needed!

Thanked

Hammyman

No problem. Its how I went from ESA to Self Employment. The thought of doing nothing for the forseeable filled me with dread too.