Self-employed but struggling - benefits advice needed

[kunoichi]

I'm a single parent of 3 and have just begun working again (self-employed WAHM) after taking maternity leave.

My youngest is almost 8 months old. I'm a web designer; previously I was able to work around my children (while the older two were at school and after they'd gone to bed), but with a baby at home now I'm really finding myself struggling to get anything done.

I've lost most of my regular work due to having taken time off (during which I received maternity allowance). It seems the only time I can get any work done is at night when baby is asleep, and for the past few weeks I've been struggling on only 5/6 hours sleep a night with next to no earnings to show for it. I really don't think I can cope with this much longer!

So, I'm wondering if it would be possible to knock my hours right down and apply for JSA/IS for a few months until baby is a little older and I can manage my time better/build up a customer base?

From what I can tell, I may be able to work a little (10-15 hours a week or a limit on earnings?) while claiming JSA. It would certainly give me a break and the chance to build up my earnings again to help us be better off with me working closer to full time again, but I'm worried what will happen and whether any or all of my current help (CTC and WTC) will stop while the claim is being decided?

A few years ago I had to stop working for a few months (under very different circumstances). My CTC continued for 4 weeks until I finally received IS which helped us get through the wait financially, but I'm unable to find out if this run-on/extension is still available for those leaving work or with significantly reduced hours?

Also, will I be ineligible for JSA as effectively I would have chosen to cut down my working hours?

Much of the work I'm doing now is "promotional" - I'm desperately trying to drum up custom - so my actual earnings are next to nothing. More than this, I'm becoming very worried about my health: having so little sleep I feel like a zombie most of the time.

I know that I would be a bit worse off financially if I do cut down my hours to be eligible for JSA/IS, but I'd be able to get enough sleep and be more capable of looking after my children. I don't have family living nearby or friends who are able to help with the children.

Could anyone advise me on what would happen if I choose the reduced hours/JSA route? Would I be able to claim JSA (or be eligible for IS?) for a few months?

Thanks in advance to anyone who could advise =)

Not sure of all the details, however to be eligible for WTC you need to be working 16 hours a week. You must work less than this to get any JSA, so that would definitely stop.

Hopefully someone with more in depth knowledge will be able to advise you soon.

If you're getting working tax credits I would look for a nursery or childminder to have your children whilst you do your work, that way you won't be a zombie & you stay in employment.

You can get up to 70% paid for if you have 3 children & minimum income.

To be eligible for income-based JSA you must also pass a means assessment. It's not enough to work less than 16 hours per week. Basically you have to be earning very little from self employment to qualify at all and in any event you would be paid a top up amount (i.e. most of your weekly earnings would be deducted from the full weekly amount).
checking whether you're on the right amount of WTC and whether you're entitled to help with Council Tax should be your first point of call. I agree that having your LO in childcare and claiming 70% of childcare costs back from WTC is also a good option.

Stay on WTC/CTC & claim childcare allowance as redHelen suggests then you'll have more daytime awake hours to put in to your work. Don't forget any hours you spend on your business count towards the 16-30 you need to qualify not just the paid hours. If you are researching for clients, networking or marketing on the phone its all counted.

If you can boost your claim to 30 hrs then you hit another level & get a bit more bizzarely, plus help with chuldcare costs.

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