Self employed with no earnings - any gov help?

Edd_80

Hi Forumers,

This is probably a stupid question but I’m after advice on what, if anything, my partner can get help with from the Government. (I’m not saying that she is entitled to anything but wanted to check)

• She worked for 15 years paying Tax, NI until 2010.
  
• She set up and started her own ltd company from 2010 – 2013 which she closed after making no profit.
• She set up self-employed in Sep 2013 as a Full time Artist but as yet earns no money from it. £0 income (honestly and truthfully zilch). She is a fantastic artist and we are under no illusions that it will take some time to get her work noticed but want to persist with it.
  

I work full time and the money I earn we pay off the mortgage and both live off the rest for everything (we budget like crazy people)
We are currently 5 weeks Pregnant (shhhhh don’t tell no one!) and the baby is due in November (super excited):j


If you are self-employed but earn no income is there any support from the government for things like this?
Is there anything support wise for Artists that anyone knows of – like grants etc?
I assume that Statutory maternity pay is null and void as she is self-employed?

Again I want to stress I’m not saying she is entitled to anything just asking. I just don’t know how to look into this as neither of us have ever claimed benefits / support from the government etc.

Thanks – Edd.

Indie_Kid

Depending on your income, you may be able to get working tax credits as a couple.

pmlindyloo

blondebubbles wrote: »

Most benefits would be looking at household income. Do you know what the household income was for 12/13 and expected 13/14 income?

How many hours do you both work per week?

I have found this page useful for info on maternity but you are correct, she won't be entitled to SMP - http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_children_and_young_people_ew/benefits_for_families_and_children.htm

Sorry to hijack the thread but blondbubbles can you have a look at this thread

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4911403

and give the OP some advice about tax credits? Many thanks.

Mrs_Soup

Have a look at Maternity Allowance as that is payable to some self employed people.

BigAunty

Indie_Kid wrote: »

Depending on your income, you may be able to get working tax credits as a couple.

Yes, possibly on current household income or when the kid is born.Check the Turn2us online benefit calculator.

Working tax credits for the partner could be problematic - they are pitched as being paid to the self employed with low incomes involving business activities where is the expectation of being paid for the work. For more speculative endeavours found in some of the creative arts, they could fall foul of the regs.