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Training/Educational support + illness and tax

Firstly, thank you for taking a look and hopefully someone has the answer/s.

I have been signed off work (i was a self employed builder) for 12 weeks due to spinal surgery. Realistically my days as a builder are over and such I’ve been looking to retrain. My first question is: is there any tax relief for illness when self employed?

I have chosen to do a full stack web development course and have applied for a pcdl loan but someone mentioned that as i didn’t go to uni i could get some support for the course costs, living costs, materials etc. I can’t seem to find anything. The PCDL will be helpful but the apr of 9.9% is a tad steep. Is there an alternative or student loan for this type of course (9 weeks).

I’m running out of ideas and money so any help is appreciated.
A wise man once said "go to moneysavingexpert.com" :money:

Comments

  • nimbo
    nimbo Posts: 3,701 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Sorry I’m no help but you may benefit from posting this in the student section too?

    I happen your receivers hoes well.

    Stashbuster - 2014 98/100 - 2015 175/200 - 2016 501 / 500 2017 - 200 / 500 2018 3 / 500
    :T:T
  • Ozzuk
    Ozzuk Posts: 1,884 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts
    edited 4 January 2018 at 3:52PM
    Unless you have a flair for it, or a lot of background, web design is a saturated market so you might struggle for work. How about something that uses your building experience - train as a surveyor maybe?

    Edit: someone just mentioned this on another forum I frequent and I thought of you - they were looking to train in PDR (paintless dent removal). Probably sensationalised but they were quoting salaries of 60-80k if you get good at it. Very low running costs as well. Might be worth exploring.

    (note: nothing to do with me, I work in IT!).
  • TBagpuss
    TBagpuss Posts: 11,237 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    In terms of tax - as a self employed person you will presumably be filing a tax return and normally would make a payment on account for next year - I think it is possible to contact HMRC and pay a different / lower amount where your situation has changed, rather than having to wait and claim a rebate next year https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/self-assessment-claim-to-reduce-payments-on-account-sa303

    This might be helpful for you in looking for funding to help with any training - https://www.gov.uk/grant-bursary-adult-learners
    All posts are my personal opinion, not formal advice Always get proper, professional advice (particularly about anything legal!)
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