How scary is the universal credit interview for a new claim?

[Theredoubtableskins]

Hi, I’ve just made a claim for universal credit and they want me to go in for a meeting. I’ve said in the application that I am going self employed, but as it’s a new thing that I want to look for employment and also said I need some help with my CV.

They want me to go in for a gainful self employment interview. I’ve left a message on the journal saying that I’ve said I want to apply for paid work, an already doing applications and the self employment is on the side until/if it makes money. I can’t really prove that it makes money because it’s new. So… just not sure how scary the interview will be. Will they refuse my claim because it’s a new business and I can’t prove it will make money? Even though I’m looking for paid work? I’ll take anything!

Bumping

When I did it, they were lovely. Completely different to the stereotypical image of staff - it was as though they'd prioritised picking the nicest possible staff to handle that section.

I had the same experience as pp, my work coach was really nice and very helpful

It's fine, more of a ID check than anything else

He’s replied to the message on my journal saying that it’s no problem, not to worry and just come down anyway and we can talk over everything. So that’s sounding less stressful.

Thank you!

My son went yesterday to confirm his identity and today for his first commitment appointment. They were lovely both time (different job centres too)

It’ll be fine.

You’ll be assigned an advisor who’ll show you the ‘commitments” you have to fulfil each month in order to qualify. That would include evidence you’ve been seeking work entered into an online journal, or work you’re doing to launch as a self employed.

Assuming you meet the criteria to qualify (you can check online) they’re not going to refuse you help.

Interviews are pretty short and painless.

They’ll probably show you how to enter any earnings from your self employment each month on to your journal. You should still qualify for UC if your business doesnt return a profit at first.

My work coach was also lovely, I went after an unexpected split from my husband. She was really empathetic and understood lots of challenges I was having due to my daughter's SEN.

My car broke down to the tune of 1k the day of my self employment interview and I cried during it. Honestly they've seen everything.

I saw her being much stricter with the person before me who was about 20 years old and a self employed artist who had put herself on the housing register. Job coach basically told her to aim higher etc, but wasn't mean.

If you business is viable (mine was as was already doing it) it'll be fine.

Anyone that says that they are self employed has a GSE interview. It is to decide whether it is the main way you make your income. If it is then you would not be expected to looking for a job. You might be affected by the minimum income floor. If it is your first claim it will not affect you for the first year.

if you are not gainfully self employed then you may need to look for other work. Some people for example carers don’t have to look for work. Here are some links to citizens advice

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/on-universal-credit/how-universal-credit-payments-work-if-youre-self-employed/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/on-universal-credit/reporting-self-employed-earnings/

going to your first interview
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/going-to-your-interview/

When I went they were really lovely. I clearly said similar to you - I want to work and need help with my CV. They referred me to a brilliant team who helped with that and gave me interview coaching which landed me a very well paid job! I can't praise them highly enough. Good luck!

I'm really happy to see all the positive experiences on this thread. I think DWP staff get a really bad rep as jobsworths but there are some really considerate, empathetic, skilled and knowledgeable staff there doing a good job in often really challenging circumstances for the people they help.

As well as checking your identity it will likely be just to explain that you will need to earn money from being self employed and they won't top you up with benefits for years on end if you don't.

In the past people have claimed to be artists, writers or 'Internet traders' aka buying crap from car boot sales and listing it on eBay.

Or they say they're a self employed beautician or gardener when in reality they're just doing a few jobs for friends and family.

Just wanted to come back and say thanks. Had the interview this morning and the guy was so nice, it was really chilled and he kept it really relaxed. We went through the gainful self employment questions as much as I could answer with the little evidence I had for a new thing and it was all accepted really easily. Just in case anyone else sees this in the same position, don’t worry about it. It’s so painless!

That’s great op. Good luck with your new venture, hopefully you’ll soon start to turn a profit x