Starting a business when on ESA

Kris35

Hi all,

So I want to start my own business and need to register as a sole trader. I'm on ESA and am worried about a few things. I think I'm going to have to tell the dwp because the form I fill in will probably notify them. But I don't intend to start selling for a few months. I'm just learning at the moment and trying to get things in order. But I don't know if I'll be any good and if I fail I'm worried the dwp will say I'm fit for work as my intention is there. What do you think?

Comms69

What kind of business is this?


Just want to make sure this isn't another MLM

calcotti

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/while-youre-getting-esa/working-while-getting-esa/

8ofspades

Can you call the advice line? Not 100% sure, but many years ago you used to be able to have an allowed amount of hours and still receive what was then incapacity benefit. From the link below, it looks like the ruling is still the same. I believe they will want to see your accounts at the end of the year.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/while-youre-getting-esa/working-while-getting-esa/

Hope that helps!

bigbill

Try this: https://www.gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work/starting-your-own-business

Kris35

Oh yes I remember that now. Although if Boris becomes pm who knows how long that will last.

Kris35

No it's not MLM. Did Amway back in the day. This is importing and selling online. Been studying how to do for ages and almost ready.

Kris35

calcotti wrote: »

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/while-youre-getting-esa/working-while-getting-esa/

Thanks (sorry for other replies all over the place - am on my pc now not my phone). I need to find out if working for yourself is classed as permitted work. How do they know if you're working 16 hours or less a week for a start. Will ring CAB I think.

Kris35

bigbill wrote: »

Try this: https://www.gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work/starting-your-own-business

Excellent, thanks. Off for a read.

poppy12345

Any money you earn while claiming ESA is permitted work. You must tell DWP before you start work and you mustn't earn more than £131.50 per week.



The link posted above is about moving from benefits to start your own business which won't apply to you if you planning on claiming ESA at the same time.