Starting a business on JSA - help!

psycrow57

I've been on JSA for almost 15 weeks and have a review at 9am
tomorrow - haven't had a meeting since my first one 13 weeks ago, have just been filling in forms.

I've decided to start a business teaching classes - I did a test cladding yesterday which people paid for, but it cost me more to hold the class than I was paid so I haven't made any money yet.

I recently went on a Princes Trust course and they told us about 2 benefits available for starting a business. I'm not entitled to New Enterprise Allowance as I haven't been on JSA long enough but they said that, after claiming for 13 weeks, you can get around £50 a week for 12 weeks when starting a business, for the first 12 weeks.

Firstly, I need to know what this is called as I can't find any mention anywhere.

Secondly, my first class is on 10th October - should I be giving yesterday as the start date for my business, even though I haven't made any money, or should it be 10/10? Just want to make sure I'm doing everything properly - don't want to end up in big trouble for overclaiming.

I'd really appreciate some help before my appointment early tomorrow.

Many thanks
Rachel

[Deleted User]

are you claiming income or contribution based jsa?do you have a partner who works?

youngian

You need to decide if you are going self-employed or as a limited company. Either way if you are not earning you are still entitled to benefits. The rules are fiddly but get them right and you should be able to carry on if it takeyou a while before you start makingmoney. Make sure you keep up with all your paperwork and do your homework to stay within the rules.
The HM revenue and customs sites gives useful info. on business start-ups.

psycrow57

Thanks so much for replying.

I'm going to set up as a sole trader at least for now. Even when the company is set up, I'll be doing a maximum of three classes a month, which is 18 hours per class plus the prep time, but it's hard to quantify that - I know you can claim to a point if you're working less than 16 hours a week but suspect this is only if you're making less than a certain amount. I just wish the government sites were more transparent about what you're entitled to!

I am on contributions based JSA at the moment which would only last until December - my husband earns too much for me to qualify for income based, or any other benefits, but it would be very difficult to pay all the bills if I am bringing in nothing. I'm no longer well enough to
work full-time but I don't want to go on ESA and I definitely dont want to claim more than I should - I just want to be able to keep us going until my business is up and running.

Thanks again

von

You are not entitled to JSA if work is done in expectation of payment and in which you are engaged for
1. 16 hours a week or
2. 16 hours a week on average where the hours of work fluctuate.