JSA and Self Employed - a question

Sue_des_Nimes

I was made redundant just over a year ago. My wife and I became eligible for means tested JSA.

I have a specific set of skills and based on those I set up a business last year. It hasn't made a profit yet - but it looks like in about 6 weeks I will be able to start drawing an income from things.

My wife is looking for work at the moment - but struggling. The real reason I think is her age - she is just over 40.

I have been advised to make use of my tax free allowance this year and pay myself money from the business up to the limit of my TFA. I won't actually draw this money from the business as it isn't there yet. It will simply carry forward until the next tax year as a debt from the company to me.

Can anyone advise me as to how this would impact our JSA which is means tested?

Notmyrealname

How are you getting JSA when you're not actually unemployed? You're self employed, not unemployed. You shouldn't be claiming JSA. The fact the business isn't making any money is irrelevant.

Currently you're a benefit cheat.

HappyMJ

Notmyrealname wrote: »

How are you getting JSA when you're not actually unemployed? You're self employed, not unemployed. You shouldn't be claiming JSA. The fact the business isn't making any money is irrelevant.

Currently you're a benefit cheat.

I didn't see any mention of hours in the post. As long as the OP works less than 16 hours then they can claim JSA if they are also looking for work the rest of the time.

OP if you could up your commitment to the business to over 30 hours per week then you can claim working tax credits with the 30 hour element which when combined pays just a little less than JSA and no need to sign on.

Sambucus_Nigra

Sue_des_Nimes wrote: »

My wife is looking for work at the moment - but struggling. The real reason I think is her age - she is just over 40.

Hello - can I just say that I got a new job when I was 42 and a half. When all my colleagues were made redundant - most of them were female and in their 40s and 50s - they all got new jobs. This is not a reason that people don't get jobs.