Advice Please

Seye

Hi,

I am Self Employed at the moment but am thinking of giving it up as the stress is really taking a toll on me, I also feel I would be better off financially being employed rather than self employed. My question is if I gave up being self employed to look for a job would I be entitled to any benefits while I do that or would I need to wait a certain amount of time before I am entitled to things such as job seekers allowance.

Thanks for any help.

Si

paddedjohn

Why not just look for a job while you are self employed?

Seye

Hi

I had thought of that and ideally that would be the answer but I have a few of contracts that I feel I couldnt just walk away from without giving them a chance to get a replacement. Once there out the way I could do that but would not leave lot of work left. I need to find out what my entitlements would be and then weigh up what is the best route to take.

Si

pmlindyloo

You would not be entitled to contribution based JSA (based on class 1 NI contributions because you are self employed.


That leaves income based JSA. This is based on household income (have you a partner who is working?) and savings/capital so it would depend on your circumstances.


You may be entitled to tax credits whilst you are self employed. How many hours do you work and what is your household income per month (look at your last tax year's earnings)?


Do you have children? Rent/mortgage?


Anything you would apply for would be income based so we need more information to help more.

Seye

Hi,

We have no saving, we rent, My wife is doesnt work (Has an Illness) esa will finish jan for her although she will still get NI contributuins paid. We get tax credits for 3 kids under 16 older boy works. Once my wifes Esa ends I will get working tax eventually. So with regards to what I am entitled to being self employed I am up to speed with, its just if I stop its a whole grey area that I havnt a clue on.

Many thanks
Si

Dunroamin

Seye wrote: »

Hi

I had thought of that and ideally that would be the answer but I have a few of contracts that I feel I couldnt just walk away from without giving them a chance to get a replacement. Once there out the way I could do that but would not leave lot of work left. I need to find out what my entitlements would be and then weigh up what is the best route to take.

Si

I wouldn't worry about that, it'll probably take a while for you to find a job in the current climate.

Seye

blondebubbles wrote: »

What do you mean you'll get working tax when your wife's ESA ends? Are you above the threshold now?

Only just, bear in mind just now I am still self employed and not made any desission either way yet but am looking into the best route to take.
I want to work even if it means scrubbing toilets but what I dont want is to work myself in to an early grave.

wildwestfan

Seye wrote: »

I want to work even if it means scrubbing toilets but what I dont want is to work myself in to an early grave.

Heaven forbid.

Seye

Hi
The Physicality of the job along with the long hours and constantly out collecting from customers at night. plus weather dependancy so in the winter I do not know for sure how much I will earn. sick of taking a soaking and battered by the elements. Also when I take my profit and work it out into a weekly rate, for the work that is put in works out not that rewarding.

I am trying to look at all angles, the good thing about these forums is that other people can see things from a different perspective.

Si

Seye

wildwestfan wrote: »

Heaven forbid.

Not sure what you mean by that?