HELP! Am I self employed?

barefootlinzi

I have been registered as self employed for a couple of years, I was making things at home on my sewing machine to sell on folksy. I have not actually made or sold anything for over a year (family commitments grew and sales were very slow so my making things tailed off), although I have still been paying my NI class2. I am due to have a baby, and am can claim maternity allowance through my NI class 2 contributions but am unsure if I will get into trouble for this. I am still technically self employed, but it does feel a bit wrong claiming the maternity allowance when I haven't actually been working. Can anyone tell me if I am likely to get into trouble? I am finding it difficult to find out any information online.

bazza5070

Hi hope this info helps....


To qualify for MA you must:

• Be pregnant or have recently given birth
• Not be entitled to SMP from any employer
• Earned on average at least £30 per week
• Have been employed and/or registered as a self-employed earner for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the Expected Week of Childbirth (EWC). This is called the test period. The 26 weeks do not have to be continuous and part-weeks count as full weeks

Self-employed woman are deemed to have earned a specific amount based on whether they are liable for Class 2 National Insurance or hold a Small Earning Exception certificate


As far as I am aware you cannot apply for Maternity allowance unless as it says above you are a self employed earner, however I would urge you to call the claims line 0800 055 66 88, if you are not eligible they should tell you.


Regards

barefootlinzi

Thankyou for your help. I phoned the self employed national insurance line and they told me I am eligable if I have been actively looking for work because my NI 2 contributions assume I earn more than £30 a week, even if I don't. I am classed as actively looking for work as I have items listed on my website, regardless of the fact that none have been sold!

Horace

If you are no longer self employed then you should contact the HMRC and let them know when you ceased trading.

bazza5070

Hi, be careful taking advice on benefit from the Self Employed helpline, they are not part of the DWP who will be servicing the MA, you should really call the claims line and let them make the decision. Different government departments have differing opinions unfortunately...... Good luck, hope you qualify.