Looking to move off IB and start my own business.

mikjayfay

I worked for 35yrs before being finished on ill health due to using heavy plant, I have been on Incapacity benefit now for around 5yrs... my health has improved BUT I still qualify for IB because I am deaf.

I have studied at University while on IB with support from the University re notetakers etc and now I feel I could start up my own business as a freelance artist with the help of WTC. (this would be much lighter work than previously) I have been trying to gather information re a start of business...but with my deafness I cannot use the telephone and I find it very hard to get anywhere by using mincom and typetalk (deaf phone and relay service).Being unable to hear is a nightmare because communications are so limited and hearing people have no understanding whatsoever.

To tell the truth, My fear is that by trying to work for myself the government will knock me off IB and I won't get WTC...if I was sure the WTC was there I would definately go for it... but as I get IB because of my disability its easier to stay as I am...but even then it is frightening because the Gov is making changes..?!
Any advice please?

[Deleted User]

have a chat to the disability advisor at your local job centre they may be able to help
and good luck

Oldernotwiser

If you fit the eligibility criteria for WTC in terms of the hours worked and money earned then you will have no difficulty ( although possibly a delay) in claiming it.

mikjayfay

I fit the criteria for the disability element and the over 50s element as well but I can't take risks as the website is not clear. As a self employed artist I would not be making a regular income but I am confident that with the amount the website promises I would soon be up and running... I support my family home although my children are not young (18 and 23) they both live with my wife and myself and we don't have a lot coming in.

mikjayfay

I did chat to the advisor two years ago and she thought I was silly to give up my IB. Thats what is making me wary...

I fitted the criteria for the disability element and the over 50s element too, but I am not confident with the websites promises... I can't take chances as I run the family home and even though my kids are 18 and 23 they still live with my wife and myself and we haven't much coming in.

Hammyman

Ask them about Return To Work Credit. It gives you a tax free sum of £40 a week for 12 months and isn't counted as income for income related benefits. You need to be doing 16hrs or more a week and earn no more than £15k profit.

matt2222

I would wait for the Spending Review next week to see what is
happening .Best of luck

mikjayfay

Well the spending review is well gone and I am still worrying about setting up, I have been buying equipment since December and I am raring to go.. but everytime I phone (textphone) anyone in authority about starting up they seem to be more bothered about knocking me off incapacity than giving advice... they are like vultures and its has if they just want me off benefits to save money, they are not bothered about me or my family

Oldernotwiser

I'm surprised that this wasn't mentioned before but have you looked at the rules for permitted work?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/disabledpeople/financialsupport/dg_10020667

I'd think that this would be very suitable to enable you to see how you progress with work.

I also wonder whether you've discussed your situation with the RNID.

http://www.rnid.org.uk/