Veterans who are self employed not entitled to sole trader support.

MickyP321

I served 24 years in the Army and left with a taxable pension which just covers my mortgage and council tax each month. I started my own counselling business in 2018 and have submitted two tax returns (18-19 and 19-20). The money I make from my business (around £850 per month) covers all the other household bills and food there is never any left for savings. I have been told by DWP that I am not entitled to the self employment support because I have an income from my pension. I explained that my business had to close as my clients cannot travel to see me and it is not advisable to travel to see them. Can anyone help, why after seeing 24 years service of which I served 1297 days in a war zone am I not entitled to some help.

kind regards Mick Pearce MBE 

GHolmesAdmin

What kind of help do you feel you should be receiving?

Gonna-be-debt-free

You may be able to claim universal credit instead.  It might also be worth contacting SSAFA and the British Legion to see if they are planning to lobby on the issue.

lincroft1710

MickyP321 said:

 Can anyone help, why after seeing 24 years service of which I served 1297 days in a war zone am I not entitled to some help.

 

Because these are not criteria for assistance under Coronavirus schemes. Your "reward" for your military service (as well as your pay at the time) is your pension. If you are suffering financial hardship and do not qualify for government provided self employment support you can see if you are eligible for Universal Credit and perhaps try SSAFA or the RBL who both claim to offer support to ex service personnel..