carer looking to become self employed

SHIRAZ

Hi I'm looking for a bit of advice, I've posted this on the benefits board but not had many replys, so thought I'd ask here too.

I'm a single parent and also a carer for an eldery neighbour.
To earn some extra money as I'm strugling a bit I was looking to start taking in ironing.

Can I do that and still be entitled to carers allowance?
I'm looking to work 16 hours a week, do I need to charge minimum wage for the work I do? or do I charge per item?

also, would I be entitled to claim for child care for my 2 kids and wtc when I'm doing this work?

Do I need to register as self employed?
Do I need insurance?

Lot of questions, sorry but just trying to figure out the best way forward.

Thanks

ETA, also what sort of records would I need to keep? I wouldn't have much in the way of overheads but should I keep records of what work I've done for who and give them receipts?

ethicsgirl

Hi Shiraz, I can't answer all your questions but yes, you can still claim carers allowance as long as your net earnings are no more than £100 per week (that was the limit until I stopped being a family carer a couple of months ago so you may want to check in case it's changed).

You do need to register as self employed and will have to fill in an annual self-assessment form, but your NI contributions will be paid as long as you're in receipt of carers allowance. You need to keep records of all your business costs and earnings but the tax office are very helpful, so chat to them about it I think it's up to you whether you charge per item or per hour.

I also recommend getting in touch with Carers UK, they can help with just about any questions - they have a website www. carersuk. org (but without the spaces, I'm not allowed to post links yet) and a facebook page, just do a search to find them.

I hope this has been of some help, good luck!