Claiming carers allowance when self employed

doggielover

I am self employed and usually earn around £10,000 per annum. Things have changed this year and I have been looking after my partner more. After a year of fighting he has just been awarded PIP. I have been told that I can now claim carers allowance as long as my earning fall under the allowed limit. My question is, as I am part way through my financial year how can I prove my earnings have changed recently? If they use my earnings for the first 6 months (before reduced hours) and average it out with my current earnings it will take me over the weekly allowed limit. I've also looked at how I prove my self employment earnings and it says - Please send the most recent finalised accounts you have for your business, with this form. We cannot accept tax returns. I do not have an accountant and proper finalised accounts as I always do my own tax return online. Any help would be appreciated.

nannytone_2

an award for carers allowance isn't based on the whole years income, but what your current income is.

as long as you are earning below the allowed amount whilst claiming CA, it doesn't matter what your whole years income is

doggielover

Hi, thanks for your reply. I realise this, but how do I prove it? I don't have payslips as self employed. I don't take a weekly wage as my money stays in my business bank account as I draw on it as I need it.

sheramber

If you are in self-employment your average weekly earnings are normally calculated by looking at a specific trading period, which is normally a year. However if you have only recently started your self-employment, or if there has been a change in your circumstances, then a different period more representative of your average weekly earnings can sometimes be used.

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/help-with-benefits/carers-allowance

You will need to contact them and advise your change of circumstance and sk what period you should submit.

You will probably have to draw up accounts for that period.