Help me get back to work?!

jenhug

I am currently not working, disabled and am on income support.

Hubby is also out of work.

I would like to give party plan a go, as I can set my own hours and work around my disability.

Hubby would like to retrain and do self employed security work which would also work around my disability.

I spoke to income support office today and they said they will deduct all but £20 of my earnings per week. So basically after fuel costs and stationary, demonstration products I will probably be worse off.

Is this correct? Is there another way? I am not up to working full time, and I rely on my husband to help with my care needs and children (one is autistic) on my worst days.

I was feeling really good about the thought of returning to work, but feel really deflated now. I had to leave my job due to ill health, I do want to work but feel like the system isn't set up to help people in my situation. Maybe i'm wrong.

Any advice please?

henmuffin

Hello there. Perhaps you could make an appointment with the Disabilty Employment Advisor at your local job center. They can advise you on what you can earn on top of your benefits and can also arrange job trials etc.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/LookingForWork/DG_4000324

Good luck and I'm sure something will work out for you.

jenhug

Thanks! I didn't know such a person existed! I'll call them tomorrow!

coolpaprika

Hello jenhug,

I can't help much, but I do know that you have to work extreemly hard at PartyPlan to earn anything like a decent amount. I did it with Pippa Dee when my children were small, and it gave me pin money and a new wardrobe each 6 months (the sizes they suppled fitted me) It got me out of the house and was something that was just for me and even provided social events. The women who made a living from it worked every night and sometimes lunch time parties too. In theory you can fit it around whatever you want, but if someone wants their party on x day and that's the only day they can do it, you do it on x day or lose it.

You dont say what your disability is. Do you drive? Lugging stuff around is tough. What about starting with Kleneze or Avon among your neighbours, get friends and family who work to pick up orders from their collegues. Whether you tell income support is up to you.

Good Luck

jenhug

Thanks for sharing your perspective with regards to party plan, I have done Avon before and it was tough. Probably didn't help that I am not that into makeup etc. The party plan I am considering is a passion of mine and I think that I would really enjoy it, even if it didn't make me rich. I do drive, so thats a bonus.