Entitlement for self-employed?

Jayar11

My son has recently had a huge operation and is probably going to be off work for about 5 months. He is a self-employed carpet fitter and has been told he is entitled to NOTHING financially.

How can this be right? He has to eat and needs special food just now, he has a baby boy to provide for and he and his girlfriend have a house to run together with two other children from her previous marraige, with all the bills that entails.

This is placing an enormous strain on the whole family. The girl friend works but she can't possibly provide for two extra mouths. I help where I can, but that's mainly in looking after my son and the children. I am a pensioner and can't help financially, much as I'd like to. My son pays taxes and NI stamps.

WHY has he been abandoned? I just don't understand, This is causing huge stress among the whole family, myself included.

Jowo_2

Is this because he didn't pay full NI contributions as some self-employed opt out of the them and pay a lesser class of stamp?

Does he have any kind of private health insurance for the self-employed that protects his income during sickness? If he has a mortgage does he have any kind of insurance that would pay this during ill health?

What is the girlfriend's income? Perhaps its too high for means tested benefits? Does his household suffer from any debts, including loans?

He can check his benefit entitlements on the Turn2Us website (formerly known as 'Entitled to').

Mahmood_Reza

It may be a very long shot but you may be able to claim Working Tax Credit (even off work) - main conditions being normal working hours 16/30+, these hours worked before incapacity. Ring 0845 300 3900. I would also contact Citizens Advice Bureau, and check out the govt site at direct.gov.uk

Jayar11

I think he does pay the lower NI contribution but I have spoken to several people who don't know that this means no money while sick. It's a dangerous situation isn't it? I am actually surprised his accountant didn't give him better advice. Thanks to those who replied.

Benefits_Bod

If renting, the person off work may well be entitled to Housing Benefit and, separately, there may also be entitlement to Council Tax Benefit.

Some council's say s/e income must be assessed based on the past 3 / 6 / 12 months. However, where there has been a clear cut change in circs such as in this case, it is the CURRENT circumstances that count.

Vader123

Jayar11 wrote: »

I think he does pay the lower NI contribution but I have spoken to several people who don't know that this means no money while sick.

Yes normally people self employed tried their hardest to avoid and minimise any kind of tax or NI without forethought.

Is the girlfriend claming support from the father of her children from a previous relationship? If not, this will help.

Vader

Hammyman

Jayar11 wrote: »

My son has recently had a huge operation and is probably going to be off work for about 5 months. He is a self-employed carpet fitter and has been told he is entitled to NOTHING financially.

How can this be right? He has to eat and needs special food just now, he has a baby boy to provide for and he and his girlfriend have a house to run together with two other children from her previous marraige, with all the bills that entails.

This is placing an enormous strain on the whole family. The girl friend works but she can't possibly provide for two extra mouths. I help where I can, but that's mainly in looking after my son and the children. I am a pensioner and can't help financially, much as I'd like to. My son pays taxes and NI stamps.

WHY has he been abandoned? I just don't understand, This is causing huge stress among the whole family, myself included.

He is entitled to contributions based sickness benefits as long as he has been paying sufficient Class 2 NIC for the qualifying years. This would include ESA.

Hammyman

Jayar11 wrote: »

I think he does pay the lower NI contribution but I have spoken to several people who don't know that this means no money while sick. It's a dangerous situation isn't it? I am actually surprised his accountant didn't give him better advice. Thanks to those who replied.

It doesn't mean no money. I had to go on ESA in January this year. In the qualifying years, I was self employed and still qualified for contributions based ESA. My Class 2 NIC was fully paid throughout my self employment.

Jowo_2

how much does his partner earn? this will impact means tested benefits.