Self Employed Full Time Carer

RichyBaby

I feel like I am insane, but every time I try to work out our possible income using the benefits calculator (turn to us) it seems that if I earn even 45 pounds I will lose something like 100 a week in Universal Credit?

Can someone tell me if this is really right? If so, is there anything I can earn that would make working worthwhile at all now?

Background:
I am a full time carer. I am self employed, or was until January 2018. I haven't shut down, just gone into hibernation. I have been caring for my wife full time for over a decade, running a software business that collapsed and forced me into PC repairs. In December I got sick and could not work. So I went to UC for the first time and visited the CAB. I'm still picking up the pieces and waiting for first UC payment in 2 days. No idea what we're going to get!!!

Partner gets highest rate of mobility and daily living.
We get child tax credit 82 monthly.
Child age 14.
I don't get carers allowance.
I'm waiting for first UC payment in 2 days.

warm regards

Richard

pmlindyloo

Can you please tell us your current situation?

Partner? Children? Ages? Any disabilities? Renting?

Do you claim Carer's Allowance? Is your partner receiving DLA/PIP? If so which components?

RichyBaby

Updated original question. Partner gets highest mobility and daily living. We get child tax credits 82 per month. Other than that we dont get anything.

Child age 14.

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Can you please tell us your current situation?

Partner? Children? Ages? Any disabilities? Renting?

Do you claim Carer's Allowance? Is your partner receiving DLA/PIP? If so which components?

pmlindyloo

RichyBaby wrote: »

Updated original question. Partner gets highest mobility and daily living. We get child tax credits 82 per month. Other than that we dont get anything.

Child age 14.

I think you mean child benefit?

Why haven't you been receiving Carer's Allowance or tax credits? Were you earning too much?

RichyBaby

I was earning too much, yes. Or at least last time I checked. I probably lost out, because my last profit for tax purposes was less than 15k. But it was a constant battle and I can't manage anymore. Doctor has signed me off for anxiety, though I can still work if I think it will make any money. But it won't, will it?

pmlindyloo

RichyBaby wrote: »

I was earning too much, yes. Or at least last time I checked. I probably lost out, because my last profit for tax purposes was less than 15k. But it was a constant battle and I can't manage anymore. Doctor has signed me off for anxiety, though I can still work if I think it will make any money. But it won't, will it?

As you realise UC can be rather complicated.

Since you are about to receive your first UC payment then I should wait until you get a breakdown of your award and then get it checked out by a welfare advisor/CAB.

The difficulty with your claim is that you are applying for UC with a fit note and therefore it seems that you may be asked (eventually) to attend a WCA (Work Capability Assessment). You are also caring for your wife and would usually be eligible for the Carer's Element in Universal Credit and although earnings would not affect this I am not sure whether you applying for UC with a fit note would 'disallow' you from claiming the Carer's Element. (I said it was complicated!)

To answer your question, in general terms. You should be better off earning as only 63% of earnings are 'lost' on Universal Credit.

Then there is the matter of claiming Carer's Allowance (which could be backdated). You could claim this and it would be deducted £ for £ from your UC but you would still be better off. But there are 'rules' about working hrs and earnings for claim CA.
Apart from the backdating I cannot see that this would be a good move forward if you intend to work.

Your case is somewhat complicated so I strongly advise you to get some advice once you have received your UC award letter to see what is your best way forward.

RichyBaby

As I am a full time carer I am told I have no obligation to work.

warm regards

Richard

RichyBaby

But it is hugely confusing. My first payment just came through. I had to declare earnings of 400. I lost out a little because of this, but the statement said hat I could earn 192 before losing. Is this true? The turn2us calculator doesn't seem to work that way and shows any income as a loss!!


Thanks!