Self employed with no work

pitza

Hi , 
My situation is I am self-employed but have not been able to work for the last six months due to illness and I now find that my main customer has no work for me and my trade in general is the slowest it's been in years.
My question is are there any benefits I am entitled to as a self-employed tradesmen with no work but with over the £16000 allowed in savings.

elsien

Are you health issues now resolved? 

born_again

Try the calculators linked below.

https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

As you made no reference to anyone else in the household.

huckster

Have you paid class 2 national insurance contributions over recent tax years?

If you are still unwell affecting ability to work and have paid NI contributions, you could look at New Style Employment and Support Allowance which is not affected by savings.

Many self employed are having to take up employed work at this time of year such as supermarket delivery driving. 

DodgyDave88

JSA anyone can claim for 6 months (savings aren't taking into account either)

pitza

My health is almost back to normal so I was going to start with just two days a week, all N.I. is up to date ,
My wife work part time.

huckster

DodgyDave88 said:

JSA anyone can claim for 6 months (savings aren't taking into account either)

JSA cannot normally be claimed by self employed.
See link for eligibility criteria

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA): Eligibility - GOV.UK https://share.google/8DQeCu5fc8cnYVZjj

pitza

Looks like I can't claim anything.

elsien

Probably not with that level of savings. But that is what they are for at the end of the day, for a safety net if you need it. 

Could your wife work more hours if necessary?

And bear in mind that once your savings go below 16 K you might have some eligibility for universal credit, although there will be deductions. 

DodgyDave88

Sounds like a trip to the job centre will be in order!

TELLIT01

If you aren't yet fit to return to work you may be able to claim ESA.  That would depend on your GP providing a medical certificate (now known as a Fit Note).  Others with more current knowledge of the benefit system will be able to confirm or otherwise.