Selling things online whilst claiming?

HappyMJ

Kirsty02 wrote: »

It's something that would take time building a name for myself and getting customers. I could do it and I think I would be good with advertising. But can I start this without anything changing? Its so confusing. I have my monthly interview there tomorrow so hopefully they'll be able to give me some good information, although the last time I spoke to them about it they didn't even seem to know much about it themselves!

Yes you can do it as a hobby to start with.

The HMRC does recognize some hobbies turn into businesses at a later date so if it works out and it appears you're making more money than you can reinvest in your hobby then report that to HMRC and DWP.

rogerblack

HappyMJ wrote: »

This activity could still be regarded as a hobby though and won't affect anything.<snip>

If you're telling me otherwise then the amount of things I've sold on as a hobby and now have to pay back benefits, tax and whatever else...that would send me broke.

From a DWP perspective, it's quite clear.
'De minimus' amounts are ignored.
Simply as it's income from a hobby, it is not exempt.
The exempt amount being set so low - 5 pounds/week on income support for example - gives a strong indication that it's really unlikely to be considered as exempt.

The fact you've gotten away with it does not make it legal, or good to advise others to do.