Avon and Benefits.

HannahOgden

For anyone who is an Avon rep have any of you claimed any benefits while being an avon rep? and how much did you make when you first started?

I've done the benefit calculators on turn2us and it says I can get income support but I haven't got the foggiest. I always thought income support was for people who are lone parents or carers, but I am neither of them and the direct gov site only says you may get IS if you are either a lone parent, carer etc.....

I am so confused and was hoping if anyone has had any experience like this??

My question is what benefits can I claim while I work as an Avon rep, I've heard of working tax credits but I don't know if I can get it :S I am so confused...can someone help.. I just don't have a clue... I am down to my last £5 and have been saving that for 3 months as emergency money.... Someone please help me

Avon2001

As an Avon Rep you are self-employed. If the time you spend on Avon is less than 16 hours a week and you are looking for a job at the same time you may be eligible for JSA

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_200090.html

Any other benefits you can claim depends on your circumstances.

j.e.j.

I'm guessing your income from Avon sales would vary from week to week, and I think the trouble with claiming a means-tested benefit like Income Support is that you'd need to then keep going to the DWP every week/fortnight and declare your earnings. They'll then put a stop on your benefits while they work out what you are entitled to minus what you've earned, etc etc and then pay you several weeks later. (At least that's my understanding).

HannahOgden

okay, so I was on jsa I came off, would I do a new claim or would I do a rapid reclaim?

sazzy267

I have been a rep for just over 2 years now and am now a Sales Leader too. I get WTC and CTC as my income from Avon even as a Sales Leader is considered low enough for me to qualify for these benefits.

Reps that I know of on income support have to take a copy of their Avon invoices to the Job Centre every 3 weeks with details of what products were purchased by actual customers, what products were bought for demo purposes and show clearly what products were purchased for business reasons ie. brochures, bags, samples etc.

Avon2001

Hi,

I doubt very much that Avon would interfere with any normal benefits claim however the benefits to which you may be entitled depend on your circumstances and at the moment we don't know enough to advise. I'd suggest you either go to a proper benefits forum for advice on what your entitlement may be or go to CAB. I suggest you make it your first priority to sort that and then come back here for advice on how to up your income. Avon may or may not be your best bet (IIRC there's an upfront cost).