Self Employed WTC. Maximum amount not enough?

Tony_Tiger

Hi,

I have been offered a job selling door to door on a self employed basis. The hours are over 30 hours a week, but it seems it is very hard to get sales, and I'll only make an average of £70 a week, but I could also get no sales, and therefore earn nothing.

I looked at claiming WTC (single, over 25, no children) but it says the maximum amount I claim is £2710 a year.

Is there any other options available to me as that would bring my income up to £122 a week, which isn't enough for me to live on! If I didn't get any sales then I'd only get the £52 (£2710/52) from the WTC, which wouldn't even cover my rent, never mind electricity, food etc.

I really wanted to take the job instead of claiming JSA, but if I don't earn anything then I'll lose my home if all I would get is £52.

pmlindyloo

As self employed you can claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

This is about HB but I'm sure the same might apply for Council Tax Benefit:

http://www.nihe.gov.uk/index/advice/advice_for_housing_executive_tenants/housingbenefit/housing_benefit_advice/self-employed.htm

Are you claiming the single person's discount for Council Tax?

You must be careful about HB/HA as you will only be entitled to the shared accommodation rate as you are under 35. You can look this up on your local council website.

Tony_Tiger

Thank you for your help. I am over 35, and am registered as the sole occupant of my rented flat.

kezlou

You can claim housing benefit and council tax benefit.
Make sure you get the single person discount!

There's also a top up get form the job centre to help supplement your income for 13 weeks. I can't remember what its called now, but if you phone up your locla DWP they should be able to tell you the name.

tyllwyd

To be honest, that job doesn't sound like a good option at all. 30 hours working and only £70 if you are lucky? What about travelling - I would imagine that as time goes on, you are going to have to cover a wider and wider area to find new houses to call on. And holidays, sick pay - over the year you will find it very difficult without those.

All credit to you for wanting to get off JSA, but I think you'd be better waiting for a realistic job, or find a self-employed option with a better chance of earning money.

midnight_express

A job that doesn't even pay NMW isn't a proper job. Don't let yourself and the benefit system be exploited by these people.