Has anyone one self employed claimed UC?

[FatAntelope]

I never thought I would be entitled to UC as I'm on around £28000 per year, but when I do a entitled too calculation it says I'd be entitled to some UC.

I'd be claiming it once I've split from my husband, I have two kids primary school age.

How complicated is it to claim UC when I'll have a fluctuating income. How do they work out my profits? Is it month by month or what?

Please let me know your experience of it.

Thanks

Ring CAB for advice.

From memory, so may not be 100% correct - yes, it's monthly, you have to enter all the money you've received and any deductions you made (materials etc - there's a list of what you can deduct) and it works out what you're due that month. Like a mini tax return almost for each month.

I would add also that pension contributions are 100% disregarded as income for UC calculations, so don't forget to put some of your earnings into one, particularly if you have excess in a good month!

My best friend has to do it monthly with hers

Think she sends in bank statements? Not totally sure but I know before she's said she does it every month with UC

Watch out for the Minimum income floor too. So if you have a bad month you won’t get the help you need, your expected to reach it no matter what

Thanks everyone.

When you submit your figures each month, don't forget to deduct what you would pay in tax and NI!