Claiming JSA while self-employed (but not earning)

davidnipper

Hi,

I have been in full time work for the last few years.

For the last year I ran a part time (self employed) business - while I was at work, in the evenings etc. However, the money coming in from this has pretty much dried up (around £25 per month).

I'm wondering if I can claim JSA if this is the case? I have been paying NI etc and plan to do my self assessment in Jan next year.

Also, what happens if I launch a new product and make new sales?

Can I still be on contribution based JSA, even though I have a self employed business (that isnt actually earning any significant amount of money)?

Many thanks in advance for any responses.

David

HappyMJ

As long as you are doing less than 16 hours per week in the business you can claim JSA as you're considered unemployed. You just declare what you've earned less expenses i.e profit when you sign on every 2 weeks.

McKneff

Surely though, you have to be Job Seeking to claim Job Seekers Allowance????

davidnipper

Hi HappyMJ, many thanks for the reply.

Just wondering is the 16 hour rule for income based JSA, or contribution based JSA?

davidnipper

Of course I am. Who could live on £20 per month???

peanut99

You can claim JSA if you are looking for work. If your income is low or you work full time which is anything over 16 hrs a week then you might be entitled to help. This means top up payments like tax credits, housing benefit etc.
You can't live on £20 a week, but I doubt you'll get JSA. What about ESA?

[Deleted User]

But, correct me if I'm wrong, with UC if you're self employed you need to earn a minimum income floor to get any benefit at all.

HappyMJ

ciaccino wrote: »

But, correct me if I'm wrong, with UC if you're self employed you need to earn a minimum income floor to get any benefit at all.

Not for the initial period of the claim. They give you some time to get the business off the ground. Most businesses don't make anything in the early days. You then need to doing everything possible to at least try and earn the same as minimum wages plus costs. You will eventually be deemed to earning MW rates and the claim will be based on those earnings even if in reality you earn nothing.

elsien

peanut99 wrote: »

You can't live on £20 a week, but I doubt you'll get JSA. What about ESA?

I might be missing something, but where did he say he was ill?