Telephone Survey Work with Optimum Contact

Paul_Varjak

SimIsOnTheUp...

Yes, I do get Working Tax Credit. I am disabled by Polio and get just £100/week in Working Tax Credit. This is about the same I would get on Incapacity Benefit.

If You do work for Optimum Contact it would mean ceasing your DWP claim and it would also mean you no longer qualify for BT Basic.

50% of my phone costs are expenses of the business and so help to reduce any tax (but I do not earn enough to pay tax anyway). Remember, Tax Credits are NOT taxable.

SimIsOnTheUp

rachelja wrote: »

Hi Sim. I get wtc, I am self employed and work 16 hours a week, but I have kids so don't know if this would apply to you? Have you tried the free benefits check? It is worth double checking everything before you start....I do lots of different work on a SE basis and don't rely on just the one company.

Thanks Rachelja,

I don't have kids, but I'm assuming I'd still be eligible for WTC going self - employed?

I hope so anyway!

Am double checking everything as we speak.

Getting a bit stressed though, as I've committed to starting the surveys with Optimum Contact before I'm ready really - ie - today. (free phone calls only just applied for!)

Which other companies are worth going for, on a self - employed basis? (if you don't mind me asking).

Thanks,

Sim.

SimIsOnTheUp

Paul_Varjak wrote: »

SimIsOnTheUp...

Yes, I do get Working Tax Credit. I am disabled by Polio and get just £100/week in Working Tax Credit. This is about the same I would get on Incapacity Benefit.

If You do work for Optimum Contact it would mean ceasing your DWP claim and it would also mean you no longer qualify for BT Basic.

50% of my phone costs are expenses of the business and so help to reduce any tax (but I do not earn enough to pay tax anyway). Remember, Tax Credits are NOT taxable.

Thanks Paul.

Regarding WTC, that is great to know you're getting the same as you would be on IB, yet you're working and earning

I can't go on as I have been on ESA, as it's been doing nothing for my self - esteem.. Got very low this weekend, and I'm just determined to get working again, so I think doing the surveys from home would be step in a positive direction.

When I worked for TeleTech from home last year, I was awarded WTC too, for mental health disability. WTC paid about £93 per week I think, on top of my TeleTech earnings, which was a big help.

I realise I'd have to cease my DWP claim / losing BT Basic. Just checking everything out online today first.

Don't really understand the whole 50% tax back issue, but thanks for the heads up!

Am still looking for my headset, I can get cracking this afternoon.

Would like to do a few surveys just for practice.

Thanks,

Sim.

Paul_Varjak

SimIsOnTheUp...

The reason I started work with Optimum Contact, was because I found out about WTC! I ensured I had a basic income (WTC) and I could then earn money on top of that.

I simply claim 50% of my phone/internet as an expense of the business. Unless you earn over the Income Tax Personal allowance it really is of no benefit to you.

I also think that the Terms and Conditions of BT Basic mean you cannot use an alternative supplier for your phone calls.

SimIsOnTheUp

Paul_Varjak wrote: »

SimIsOnTheUp...

The reason I started work with Optimum Contact, was because I found out about WTC! I ensured I had a basic income (WTC) and I could then earn money on top of that.

I simply claim 50% of my phone/internet as an expense of the business. Unless you earn over the Income Tax Personal allowance it really is of no benefit to you.

I also think that the Terms and Conditions of BT Basic mean you cannot use an alternative supplier for your phone calls.

Hi Paul,

(My emphasis) - This has really worried me!

Surely, if I'm going from BT to TalkTalk (just applied online) and taking out line rental / calls / broadband with TalkTalk, then the BT Basic T&C's will be a moot point?

SimIsOnTheUp

PS - Just checked my recent bill online with BT for examples of costs of 0845 numbers on BT Basic -

16 minute call to an 0845 number (DWP) cost me 35p.

I just wish I'd sorted the free calls package earlier!

Am going to have to start today, as I've already promised OC that I will be :-/

AndreaE

I really wouldn't worry about starting today if you aren't quite ready.

If you drop them a quick e-mail, I am sure they will understand.

I e-mailed them last week about something and found them very pleasant, friendly and helpful.

Andrea

SimIsOnTheUp

AndreaE wrote: »

I really wouldn't worry about starting today if you aren't quite ready.

If you drop them a quick e-mail, I am sure they will understand.

I e-mailed them last week about something and found them very pleasant, friendly and helpful.

Andrea

Thanks Andrea.

Trouble is, I emailed them last week to say I'd be starting last Friday.

Then on Friday, I had to email them again to postpone until today..

Now, I'm stressing as I don't think I'll be ready this afternoon, and it won't look good emailing them a third time!

PS - Are you getting regular surveys? ie - enough to pay the bills?!

AndreaE

I'm not actually doing it which is why I e-mailed them.

Having been 'approved', I have been busy with other things and don't feel I have enough time to put to it to even cover the cost of Skype/Pam, never mind actually make a profit.

I e-mailed to explain this and they said it was no problem at all - just to let them know when I was ready to start.

SimIsOnTheUp

Thanks Andrea.

I'll email them now

PS - Just worried they'll boot me off their 'list' :-/