Where do we stand?

W1lf5ter

Hi folks,

A friend recommended this forum as I've been told conflicting information by so many different advisers, that I don't know where we stand anymore.

Our situation is this:

• My partner has been diagnosed with ME
• She is currently working full time, but struggling to do so.
• She struggles getting around sometimes, though not always.
• Sometimes she cannot make herself a meal due to the ME.
• Her income is nearly £29000
• I used to work out of town, but cannot do so if my partner is unable to fend for herself.
• I am registered as self employed as far as HMRC are concerned.
• I have not had any income since the last week of November.
• My income for the previous year while self employed, shows a loss.
• I have been told by one adviser that I cannot claim any unemployment as I am self employed, even if I do not have an income.
• I have been told by another adviser I can claim as I have receieved no income.
• In order to have an income I want to start my own business - a LTD company.
• If I start a LTD company, the tax credit adviser says I would actually be a director and so an employee, not self employed.
• I will have to spend time on research, visiting suppliers & customers etc to set-up the business, so would this count as working (albeit without receiving a salary)?
• We have not claimed any benefits of any sort.

Can anyone give me a clue on:
Where we stand regarding any benefits we are entitled to.
If I can claim anything for not having any income since (the end of) November.
If being a director, without drawing any income, while waiting for the business to break-even, would have any effect on what I should and could claim for?

It's a minefield. Things are getting rather stressful now, as we have been making ends meet, but if my partner's health means she cannot work, we are going to be up a certain creek without a paddle.

I hope I've been clear enough, if not, ask and I'll try to clarify.
Thanks in advance.

paddedjohn

unless youve got kids id say that £29k is probably too much for you be eligible, im possibly wrong but i hope not.

welshmoneylover

W1lf5ter wrote: »

Hi folks,

A friend recommended this forum as I've been told conflicting information by so many different advisers, that I don't know where we stand anymore.

Our situation is this:

• My partner has been diagnosed with ME
• She is currently working full time, but struggling to do so.
• She struggles getting around sometimes, though not always.
• Sometimes she cannot make herself a meal due to the ME.
• Her income is nearly £29000
• I used to work out of town, but cannot do so if my partner is unable to fend for herself.
• I am registered as self employed as far as HMRC are concerned.
• I have not had any income since the last week of November.
• My income for the previous year while self employed, shows a loss.
• I have been told by one adviser that I cannot claim any unemployment as I am self employed, even if I do not have an income.
• I have been told by another adviser I can claim as I have receieved no income.
• In order to have an income I want to start my own business - a LTD company.
• If I start a LTD company, the tax credit adviser says I would actually be a director and so an employee, not self employed.
• I will have to spend time on research, visiting suppliers & customers etc to set-up the business, so would this count as working (albeit without receiving a salary)?
• We have not claimed any benefits of any sort.

Can anyone give me a clue on:
Where we stand regarding any benefits we are entitled to.
If I can claim anything for not having any income since (the end of) November.
If being a director, without drawing any income, while waiting for the business to break-even, would have any effect on what I should and could claim for?

It's a minefield. Things are getting rather stressful now, as we have been making ends meet, but if my partner's health means she cannot work, we are going to be up a certain creek without a paddle.

I hope I've been clear enough, if not, ask and I'll try to clarify.
Thanks in advance.

Have you thought about applying for a paying job?

W1lf5ter

I've been applying for jobs since the end of November, but without luck. I keep being told I have a strong CV.

baza52

someone will be along soon to suggest you do cleaning for minimum wage and suggest there are loads of jobs if you can be arsed to do one.

Saying that, your partner has ME but manages ok so i cant see care or mobility being awarded.
On £29k you should be able to manage. if your rent is high (unless you own) you may be entitled to some housing benefit or LHA but without more details its hard to say.

hvd201

I think you should make an appointment with the Citizens Advice Bureau for the best advice.
I would also look into DLA for your wife in the mean time - it is not means-tested, ie not related to your income. She may not be eligible now but may in the future if she deteriorates (hopefully not but it's something you should remember in case you need it).
I hope that your wife feels better and good luck to you both.

nonnatus

Hmm, Hvd makes a lot of sense. Your partners ME is not CURRENTLY preventing her from earneing a good wage, and with no children, you are unlikely to be entitled to very much in the way of benefits. It's irrelevant your employment status. If you can manage on her wage, continue to do so. If you need more money, YOU will have to get a job, the Govt will not step in and help at the moment.

IF/ When your partner deteriorates, then things will change. You should get her assessed for DLA and you MAY be able to claim as her carer, depending on how mobile / capable she is. This will then mean you won't have to have a job (either of you) and will open the door to the other benefits.

Thank goodness you're not at that point yet though! I hope your partner stays strong for many years to come.

shedboy94

If you aren't making any money from S/E, why would turning it into a Ltd company make any difference.......would you be doing something different?

W1lf5ter

Thanks for the advice so far.

I'm fully expecting someone to come and say "Get a job cleaning", well, I've tried. I have applied to so many different jobs in so many different industries. Most companies don't bother replying, out of the companies who do, 75% probably tell me I'm over-qualified. I've even driven from Nottingham to Reading for an interview, been called back for a second interview, and then not even received any further contact. Not even an email, text message or phone call. I'd currently take any job going.

Regarding my previous SE - that was as a CIS contractor, i won't bore you with the details of how I show a loss for the year.

The company I want to start is a completely different industry, which takes very little to break into, I'll just need to use what's left of my savings to buy the equipment etc, hence why I don't want to add further stress and worry to my wife, as that can trigger the ME.

I've found that our local CAB has walk in sessions on Fridays, so I will be going there tomorrow.

gingergee

Hi, i have SLE and all the related conditions. Symptoms are similar to ME, just a tad worse. I also can't cook a meal (not without being watched anyway lol), i cant have a bath and i defo can't work, even though i'd like to!!
I get higher rate DLA, as its a blood condition.
If you go down the DLA route get yourself well armed with evidence and info. Get CAB to help with the form, get your wifes doctor onside. ME is notoriously difficult to claim for.
I got it very easily as i sent my blood results, my CT scan results and copies of my prescriptions (i take 27 pills a day!).
Defo send in what you can, and good luck xxx

W1lf5ter

Thanks for the info. Hopefully we won't be in a position where we have to claim.

I hope your condition improves.