No money and getting old!

kirid23_2

I have worked all my life; self employed for last 15 years.
I am in my late 50s and the business is not making enough to support me. I receive working tax credits and i own my own house (although it will fall down about my ears eventually as I can't afford to maintain it!).

I can't go on with this low an income...but if I give up the self employment I will have NO income and am I not making myself intentionally unemployed if I give it up? Can I claim anything in that case?

Can I realistically expect any kind of employment with outdated skills and not very good health (not bad enough to be considered disabled). I've never claimed anything other than the WTC in all my life so I have no idea where to go or who to speak to to try and get help. Help please!

benefitbaby

Hi,

If your business is not making sufficient income then I do not think you would be making yourself intentionally unemployed. The issue is what is 'sufficient income' ??

If you were to cease work you would be able to claim Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) paid at £71 per week plus help with any applicable mortgage interest costs (paid at 3.6% I think).

You could also claim council tax benefit.

So the question is, do you earn more than this at present (plus your WTC) if the answer is yes then there would seem to be little point giving up.

You should have a play with the benefit calculator at entitledto.com trying out 2 scenarios:
1. Entitlement now - using current earnings, council tax bill etc
2. Entitlement if you cease work and WTC stops.

miduck

Why not seek alternative work whilst you continue your SE work? Claiming Jobseekers is pretty demoralising.

Your prospects for finding employment depend on what skills you have. Many retailers actively recruit older staff, this could be an option to look at - although your timing is not the best, any permanent vacancies are likely to have been filled by Christmas temps.