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I need some advice about benefits and going self employed

Hi there

I was made redindant when I was six months pregnant with my son and as no-one wanted to employ me being so heavily pregnant I ended up at home for 3 months before the baby was born. I took up the hobby of jewellery making, which leads me to my query. I now have a huge collection of jewellery and would like to sell it. Mainly to friends and family or even ebay maybe?

My baby is 5 months old and I am claiming Maternity allowance, which stops in around 12 weeks, when this stops I go onto Income Support. I also get Child Tax and Child Benefit. I am hoping to be moving into our own home in January (currently living with family) and will be claiming housing benefit.

To sell my jewellery I realise I must register as self employed, however I bet I dont sell more than a necklace or two a week and if they stop my benefits I am worried I will have no income whatsoever. I expect it to be a gradual think building up sales and maybe eventually look to some salons displaying my jewellery but I realise I am not going to be making anywhere near a profit for a long time.

Can anyone help me, can I earn so much before they stop my benefits? I am petrified to do it as my son is a priority and I cant risk not being able to provide for him buit at the same time, I dont want to be on benefits forever and want to stand on my own two feet and earn an honest living. I just need to know if I will recieve some support in the early days.

Thank you for reading, I really hope omeone can help me x

Comments

  • Hammyman
    Hammyman Posts: 9,913 Forumite
    You can only claim JSA if you're looking for work. HB/CTB is income related. But one thing you've not considered is that you can apply for Working Tax Credits which will probably give you more than single person JSA.
  • bmoo
    bmoo Posts: 9 Forumite
    Hey I wont be looking for JSA as I want to be Self employed. What I am wanting to know is if there is a limit I can earn being self employed before they stop paying Income Support, HB and CTC
  • Loopy_Girl
    Loopy_Girl Posts: 4,444 Forumite
    You can earn £20 whilst on IS and it doesn't affect it, thereafter it's deducted £ for £.

    If you work over 16 hours you can claim WTC

    Are you also getting child support from your baby's Dad?
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