Daughter wants to start own business when finished college - benefit question

Charityworker

I've already posted this on the small business board but someone sent me a message saying I might get more replies on here:


I'm asking this on behalf of my 18 year old daughter who hasn't got an account on here.

She finishes college on 19th June 2013 and then she will be a fully qualified animal carer. She wants to start her own business as a pet sitter for small animals rather than dogs and cats. She will need premises to do this from.

So my question is I will still be getting child benefit for her until 4th September 2013. But the child tax credit stops on 19th June. Can she register as self employed as soon as her college ends or does she have to wait until after 4th September and no longer classed as a child?

The business will need to build up slowly just as any business does so can she sign on at first and claim JSA and declare what she earns from the business or can she claim working tax credit in her own right and not sign on?

I've looked for the answers to these questions online and on this board but I cant find them anywhere. Thanks.

Horseunderwater

WTC can only be claimed from 25 years of age.
She has not been a child since she had her 18th Birthday, so she can register as self employed as soon as she is ready to do so. If you go to the HMRC website and look up self employment and how to register, the forms are all there to print off to your PC.
She might be able to get some help from the Princes Trust as they help young people start things up. There may also be enterprise grants available from business link if that still exists or they might know where to ask further.

maginot

She wouldn't be able to claim JSA, as she isn't actively looking for work!

Does she still live at home with you? As housing benefit would be able to be claimed depending on income (although under 35 so will only receive shared rate).

Also she will need to keep in mind that rules are going to be changing regarding self employed and benefits. The business is expected to be paying you at least minimum wage for benefit purposes (even if it is not).

miduck

Has she researched this idea thoroughly? You say she will need premises to do this from, how many small animals is she expecting to have at one time?

Dunroamin

Most people who do animal sitting do it from their own home - people aren't likely to want their pets looked after by someone who doesn't live on the premises.

shiprob195

My sons two gerbils stay at our local pet shop, while we are away on holiday.
They charge just 75p per animal per night... I don't think your daughter would make much of a living doing this.