Self employed benefits help

cmcavon

Hi,

I'm self-employed, married and pregnant with my third child. I'm only 9 weeks so early days but planning ahead. Hubby works full time on about £20k. My NI contributions are up to date.

With my last pregnancy I suffered with a condition called SPD. This was extremely painful and movement was difficult. Because of this I'm trying to work out what I might be entitled to.

Scenario 1

I'm a childminder so once I tell the children's parents about my pregnancy they may leave. This will mean I'm effectively unemployed.

Scenario 2

I become unfit for work before I'm entitled to maternity allowance and have to stop working.

What would I be entitled to in either of these situations? I can't seem to find a definitive answer anywhere.

nannytone_2

scenario 1. i dont see why you would be entitled to anything. ( apart from maybe extra CTC) class 2 NI conts dont count towards JSA ( im ALMOST sure of that )
scenario 2. you may be able to claim statutory sick pay or conts based ESA depending on contributions

TELLIT01

I can't see any entitlement other than Conts ESA either.

nannytone_2

blondebubbles wrote: »

You can't claim statutory sick pay if self employed.

i wasnt entirely convinced either
but i thought it would be odds on that if i didnt mentione it ... it would have been an option!

cmcavon

Ok so would I not be entitled to JSA if I was prepared to look for a job? Or aren't i entitled as my husband works? I know chances are no one would employ me being pregnant.

Conts based ESA is that means tested?

Sorry if I'm asking obvious questions its all a bit of a minefield to me. I appreciate your help

nannytone_2

you wouldnt be entitled to income related benefits.
HSA conts based, requires class 1 NI contributions but conts based ESA require class 2,
BYT...
you would need to have been paying conts in BOTH tax years 11/12 and 12/13

cmcavon

How confusing! I think it's class 2 I've paid, I did contribute in those years you've mentioned. But I wouldn't be entitled to JSA? (Not sure what HSA is sorry)

cmcavon

Brilliant thank you. It's all what ifs at the moment but I want to be as prepared as possible.

arcon5

Welcome to the self employed trap - which our lovely government are pushing more hand more people to go it alone.

form a Ltd company and start paying yourself up to your tax free allowance under paye and the rest dividends. This will solve the class 1 trap - in a couple of years anyway.

there's also pension related issues with self employment for you to consider

cmcavon

I'm planning on getting a job when it's time to go back to work after this one.

It seems very unfair doesn't it! I'd be happy to actively look for work but wouldn't be able to claim JSA. How frustrating. I guess I'll have to hope no children leave before Christmas when I can start claiming maternity allowance. Otherwise we might not eat for a few months.