EBay and Incapacity Benefit

pennyforthem

seven-day-weekend wrote:

No, actually I said £20 a week (the maximum you can earn is £86)..

My husband has had mental health problems for over 17 years, but managed to work for most of this time and has only taken early retirement from teaching in 2004 (after 20 years). So he DOES know what it is like to do a job of work!

Also, by the time we return to the UK (if we do) he will be over 60. Selling his art and craft work in a small way on eBay seemed a therapeutic thing for him to do. We don't really want to start a full-blown business. We understand however that he still would have to declare any earnings to the tax man.

Thanks for your advice.

I didnt say your husband didnt know what it was like to do a job !
I know because I have been through the conversations myself, I will have to let Inc Dep know how much I have earned each week, the weeks that I am above the threshold the excess will be taken out of my benefit. It is not a case of you have to stress yourself with worry about not earning that little bit extra. Also (and I know how much arts and craft items cost !) I have been told that any money I gain (as most would see as earnings) can go to pay any expenses (the cost of materials etc for starting up) BEFORE I start classing any money comming in as a wage. And then of course when the company has purchased the materials etc then it still has to cover the running costs (petrol,packaging etc) before you can draw a income.
I hope this helps and I agree with missile, I would have a look at ebay and what sells first some craft items do others dont you could just pay out for listing !

seven-day-weekend

We know these particular craft items sell, we have sold them before.

Thanks for your advice, I'm sorry I misunderstood before, but some people on here are always saying that people on IB should get up and do a job of work, I'm sorry I mistook your motives.

pennyforthem

Im on IB and trying to get back into work, either getting my pension cashed or a grant (unless you want social enterprise there arnt any) is what stands in my way of being up and running, its very frustrating.

Its not just IB that people have a problem with, your husband is very lucky to have you !