UC Minimum Income Floor gradually reintroduced from August

[SomebodysMum]

Does anyone have any idea what the plan is, like just how gradual it’s going to be? My DH is self-employed and have some big expenses coming up so I’m wondering if it’s best to try to bring them forward to pay them this month while it’s still suspended.

Also does anyone know if the 12 month grace period for the MIF applies if you’re already established self employed before you start your claim for UC or only if you start up a business while on it? He’s been doing ok self employed for a few years but we had to start claiming UC back in January this year due to me becoming unable to work due to my health issues.

Thanks for any help.

It looks like it's back from 31st July, according to Citizen's Advice - www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/on-universal-credit/how-universal-credit-works-if-youre-self-employed/. They say you'll be contacted before it's applied to you again.

For the start-up period, it links to the Gov website, which says "Universal Credit includes a ‘Minimum Income Floor’ (MIF) if you are gainfully self-employed, and your business has been running for more than 12 months"

and

"If we decide you are gainfully self-employed, and within one year of starting self-employment you are taking active steps to increase your earnings, you will be eligible for a ‘start up period.’

This means the Minimum Income Floor will not be applied to you for up to a year, and you won’t be required to look for or take up alternative employment during that time."

So I don't think he'll be eligible for the start-up period, sadly.