Universal Credit + Self Employment

MsBlonde

So many months ago I was "contracted" working for a company but had to be self employed, this is because they dont take PAYE's on.

Anyway end of March my contract came to an end, I applied for "JSA" but got told can't have that will have to be Universal Credit.

For a month I've recieved UC, I only claimed the work part of it, I get no other money, no rent help etc.

The company has gotten back in touch to ask me to do some more work for a month, starting next Monday 30-40 hour weeks.

I contact UC, informed them... to be told despite being over the threshold, I have to attend a "gateway interview" at my local job center. Are they serious? I won't be getting a penny from them and I will be earning my own money... whats the issue?

Am I missing something here?

Mersey_2

Yes, it's a part of UC. A gateway interview for self-employed UC claimants is just to verify the claim.


As you can imagine a lot don't attend as they begin work before the date of the gateway interview and so can't make it.


Best doing so if you can, as this keeps the UC claim open for 6 months (ie saves you having to apply again and wait etc if your earnings fall within the next 6 months).


Otherwise the claim closes after 1 month.

MsBlonde

Mersey wrote: »

Yes, it's a part of UC. A gateway interview for self-employed UC claimants is just to verify the claim.


As you can imagine a lot don't attend as they begin work before the date of the gateway interview and so can't make it.


Best doing so if you can, as this keeps the UC claim open for 6 months (ie saves you having to apply again and wait etc if your earnings fall within the next 6 months).


Otherwise the claim closes after 1 month.

Even though its a temp role for a month and it's not actually a new business? I'm just "contracting"??

Attend an interview at a Jobcentre

You'll have to go to an interview at a Jobcentre - this is called a 'gateway interview'. The online application system will let you know how to book once you've done your application.
When you go to the interview you'll need to show that you're self-employed, so you need to take things like:

• your business plan - GOV.UK has guidance on writing a business plan if you don’t have one
• invoices
• receipts
• accounts
• proof that you’re registered as self-employed with HMRC

You might not need all these documents, but you should take enough to show that you are (or intend to be) working as self employed.

Mersey_2

Yes, for any UC claimant going self-employed.