We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

Hello guys

Hello, unfortunately in my workplace, some of my colleagues have lost their job since the company is falling behind with the project we are working on, so to save money, some people had to leave. These people are very hard working people (I work in construction) but they are completely new to the British system since they only moved to the UK about a year ago. They are jobless now so I helped one of them to receive Universal Credit and he is actively looking for a job. Now 3 more guys are asking me to apply for them because they can’t do it themselves and then they offered me money if I apply for them since they might end up homeless. Would it be illegal for me to charge them money in exchange of applying for their UC? Of course, I would fill the self assessment form and pay, if any, due taxes and surely I’ll make sure they are completely aware of everything regarding their application.
«1

Comments

  • Alice_Holt
    Alice_Holt Posts: 6,092 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 22 February 2019 at 8:00PM
    UC is an online application process.

    What "self assessment form"? What "due taxes"?

    How do you think they will satisfy the Right to Reside and Habitual Residence UC test?

    Why aren't you signposting them to Citizens Advice, or an organisation (local LA library?) which has been funded by the DWP to help claimants make an online UC claim rather than charging them money?
    Alice Holt Forest situated some 4 miles south of Farnham forms the most northerly gateway to the South Downs National Park.
  • It's hardly a complex job to help someone fill out an online form which takes about 20 minutes unless there are complications from them failing the HRT in which case specialist knowledge is needed anyway.

    As they have lost their jobs and are possibly short of cash anyway why on earth wouldn't you just be a good mate and help them anyway ?
  • poppy12345
    poppy12345 Posts: 18,526 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I have no idea why you would want to charge them for this....
  • Hey guys, sorry for stupid question. Of course I told them to apply themselves but their English is quite poor and I had said “No” to them since I work full-time but they are offering me money because if I help them and go to their initial interview, I’ll have to take days off work which I won’t get paid.
  • If it were me I would just signpost them to citizens advice who will have support workers to help people make applications. They will do it for free and may well have volunteers who speak the language and can help them.
  • Alice_Holt
    Alice_Holt Posts: 6,092 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    What did you mean by "self assessment form" and "due taxes"?

    What has this to do with UC?
    Alice Holt Forest situated some 4 miles south of Farnham forms the most northerly gateway to the South Downs National Park.
  • Mnd
    Mnd Posts: 1,699 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Fourth Anniversary Name Dropper
    I think he means if he takes money for this, then he wiĺl declare it.

    I agree, I would help as much as I could as a favour to a mate
    No.79 save £12k in 2020. Total end May £11610
    Annual target £24000
  • Hello Hey1997.
  • Alice_Holt
    Alice_Holt Posts: 6,092 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Mnd wrote: »
    I think he means if he takes money for this, then he wiĺl declare it.

    If he declares it as (in effect) self employed income, at what point might he be liable for professional negligence if the charged for "advice" proves incorrect?

    Lawyers, other self-employed consultants, and advice agencies all hold professional indemnity insurance against this eventuality.

    I agree with you that trying to help a mate is admirable, but "charging" them takes him onto a slippery slope. Especially when they may fall foul of the RtR test, and possibly (with poor English) might struggle to convince a work coach that they have a genuine chance of finding work.

    I would have thought he'd be better to canvass his contacts and networks in the trade about any possible job vacancies for them. That way he wouldn't need to take time off work to attend jobcentre appointments with them.
    Alice Holt Forest situated some 4 miles south of Farnham forms the most northerly gateway to the South Downs National Park.
  • poppy12345 wrote: »
    I have no idea why you would want to charge them for this....

    Hi, me aswell over the years i have helped dozens of people even when i was working and not claiming. Never dreamed of charging people.

    Its what friends do ?

    Plus all the help from the good people on here, their help for me and me helping others with info from them and whats on here
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 346.7K Banking & Borrowing
  • 251.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 451.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 238.9K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 614.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 174.8K Life & Family
  • 252.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.