Self employed universal credit

Rangytangy

After my work related interview today which I might add went well with my work coach I was left  bemused when I asked the question what does it mean at the discretion of the work coach wether or not they would be able to extend the suspension of the minimum income floor after it ceases at the beginning of august , her reply was we are not sure yet as we have had no training regarding this matter ,she said all I can advise you to do is message her on the journal a couple of days before it ends.
with only four weeks to the suspension ending I was hoping for a more detailed answer. Is there more people out there finding themselves asking these questions and not receiving the answers.

poppy12345

The Government haven't announced anything yet and they can't give you any detailed answer if they don't know theirselves.

tomtom256

It hasn't been re-introduced yet and there has never been any work coach discretion around suspending the minimum income floor, as it's built into UC legislation.

calcotti

This is what was said last October
https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/welfare-rights/news/item/universal-credit-claimants-will-be-given-opportunity-to-review-their-self-employment-status-and-activity-before-minimum-income-floor-is-reintroduced-says-minister
No practical information as yet though.

huckster

I presume the MIF was suspended using legislation and therefore to unsuspended it, Government needs to again pass legislation.

From what I understand, the MIF is definitely being reintroduced and the discretion issue you mention depends on individual circumstances.  Example 1) someone running a business exactly the same as before pandemic, they have traded for more than 12 months, they have made no changes to business and their circumstances have not changed, would have MIF reapplied. Example 2) someone started a business just before pandemic hit in March 2020 and they haven't been able to trade, so business has not really trade for 12 months should not have MIF reapplied until they have traded for 12 months.

Not saying these examples are what is going to happen, as there may be new legislation or guidance issued.

calcotti

huckster said:

I presume the MIF was suspended using legislation and therefore to unsuspended it, Government needs to again pass legislation.

The regulations have an expiry date of 21st August, further legislation would only be required to extend the suspension.

However MIF only applies to those in gainful self employment. The implication of the SoS statement last October is, as I read it, that before any claimant has the MIF reapplied DWP will have a discussion with them about whether or not they are still in gainful self employment. Don't know how the 12 month grace period will be applied. As you say, one would hope that guidance will be issued - but, as usual, it will probably all be last minute and give no-one time to plan (including DWP staff who have to administer the guidance).

tomtom256

Gainful Self Employment tests are currently returning in August with work due to start around 01/08/2021 on what action to take. Refresher training has been issued, but not the actual guidance as yet.

calcotti

New regulations now published
https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/welfare-rights/news/item/reintroduction-of-the-minimum-income-floor-over-period-to-31-july-2022