Self Employed, unable to work due to accident

Forris

Hi, I hope this is the right board as my issues cover a number of areas.

I am a self-employed courier and have broken my wrist. I will not be able to drive for at least 4-6 weeks. I do not have Income Insurance and we have no savings. My wife works part-time (term-time only).

We are currently contacting all relevant parties to try to reduce our outgoings and to see what, if any, benefits we can claim. I would just like to know if any of you guys can think of anything else that we need to try.

Currently we have done the following:

* arranged with Santander to reduce mortgage payments (fixed rate, repayment mortgage) for 2 months, from £944 to £495;

* applied for Employment & Support Allowance;

* appointment with Barclays to discuss our loan payments, aiming to halve monthly payments;

* cancelled camping holiday in June;

* sold/selling unused items on Ebay;

* wife taking on short-term evening work from next week;

* will be calling Tax Credits to discuss change in circumstances (currently in receipt of Child Tax Credit);

* 4 yr old is currently in state school nursery (5 sessions/wk free, 5 sessions paid for). School are allowing us to pay final term in 2 instalments, instead of one lump upfront;

We have had offers of help from family members which we will take up as a last resort if,and when, we need it. I am also looking for alternative employment for when I am fit to return to work, as the courier business is not as lucrative as it was when I started.

We would appreciate any other ideas that we haven't thought of.

Thanks.

MrsManda

Depending on your income you may be able to claim low income benefits such as council tax benefit and mortgage interest support.

Hammyman

You're self employed. Just employ a driver on a temporary basis. That way keeps your van at your clients and the ability for you to come back once you're well. Giving it up for 6 weeks gives a competitor the chance to get in there, take your work and as long as they do as good a job, end up taking your business so you've nothing to go back to.

It is far better to keep the business running even if you're paying out a lot in wages than to disappear and be replaced by another courier.