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Original poster

Universal Credit - self employed

16 replies

radmum81 · 01/01/2020 10:32

Can anyone shed any light on what you have to do if you're self employed on universal credit?

From what I've read you have to submit your figures every month is this correct? Is it easy to do on the app?

The reason I ask is my partner is considering moving in with me and hes self employed so I'm trying to get an understanding of it all before he moves in. Also does anyone know how long UC take to make changes such as a partner moving in? I cant cope with another 5 weeks no money! Thabks

OP posts:
OneTooManyBathtimes · 01/01/2020 11:22

www.gov.uk/self-employment-and-universal-credit

If you're already eligible for UC, ask your coach to explain it more, but this link should help a bit anyway.

As for him moving in... we reported a change of circumstances (New child and new house) and it took maybe 3 week max? The money even got backdated for rent which was nice. Maybe we were lucky idk

sall74 · 01/01/2020 11:33

Is your partner not able to get an additional job to supplement the income from what is currently a non-viable hobby?

Original poster
radmum81 · 01/01/2020 11:41

Onetoomanybathtimes thanks that's a great help .

Sally A non viable hobby?? Haha hes a self employed electrician... sorry we cant all be doctors and solicitors 🙄

OP posts:
Todaythiscouldbe · 01/01/2020 11:58

He would be the only self employed electrician I've ever known who earns little enough to claim UC.

sall74 · 01/01/2020 12:06

If as a qualified electrician he's unable to find enough work to earn a comfortable living he's doing something very wrong.

pemberleypearl · 01/01/2020 12:07

I have been self employed under UC until very recently. I updated my journal to say I had taken up a self employed job and had a meeting with my work coach. I have had to submit my earnings before I get paid each month's UC. Though to be honest I have earned little so hasn't actually affected my UC entitlement (lone parent to a v young child).

Put a message on your journal and go from there.

CatToddlerUprising · 01/01/2020 12:10

www.rightsnet.org.uk/universal-credit-guidance
This is the guide to UC- there are subheadings for self employment. The change should happen straight away- you have to report it through your UC account. He will need to attend a couple of appointments- to do ID and his self employment appointment. Make the changes online and then call up to book the above two appointments

Original poster
radmum81 · 01/01/2020 12:37

Excellent thank you for all your helpful advice

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 01/01/2020 15:25

There is no set amount of earnings which mean someone can or can't claim Uc as it's all dependent on individual circumstances , number of children , rent etc. Therefore people saying he must be earning enough to not claim Uc are being ridiculous. If you live in an area where rent is £1200 a month and have a few kids on the claim you could quite easily earn a decent income and still qualify.

Original poster
radmum81 · 01/01/2020 16:29

Thanks Babyroods. One of his children lives with him and his disabled hence why he still can claim. I'm ignoring the judgey comments 😆

OP posts:
ivykaty44 · 02/01/2020 08:51

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4874400/Electricians-earning-156-000-year.html

A consultant will start on £74k

ivykaty44 · 02/01/2020 08:57

www.entitledto.co.uk/help/benefits-cap

This gives the benefits cap exemptions

sall74 · 02/01/2020 09:49

Babyroobs - Thank you for highlighting just what a ridiculous and overly generous system Child Tax Credits (and associated benefits) are... people can choose to live in areas they can't afford, choose to have children they can't afford and the mug taxpayer just has to suck it up and subsidise them.

ivykaty44 · 02/01/2020 13:38

people can choose to live in areas they can't afford,

There is a housing element to UC and for each area there will be a maximum allowance for housing, just as there was for housing benefit. For example in the county I live in it is divided into 4 areas and each area has a slightly different housing allowance. A one bed flat will be up to £67 per week, a 2bed house up to £91 a 3 bed house will be £121. If the rent is more expensive than this ( for private renting it’s unlikely to be less) then the family will have to find the remaining amount. The above rates would be the maximum that could be paid if the person/family is out of work, these amounts will diminish with income coming in from other sources

Of course the bedroom tax (as it is known, under occupancy) will also come into effect if the property is to large for iccupants

ivykaty44 · 02/01/2020 13:59

For example

This shows the housing allowence for the area I live in, a 3 bedroomed HA could easily be be £200 a week in some cases

Universal Credit - self employed
ivykaty44 · 02/01/2020 14:01

@sall74
Tax credits can no longer be claimed and it would be UC that would need to be claimed

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