Self employed MA - what counts as 'work'?

[RosyRosie]

I'm getting in a bit of a pickle with my maternity allowance. I'm self employed, as a farmer. I've wound down my business as much as possible as it would be nigh impossible for me to carry on at full capacity, however it's very difficult for me to stop things ENTIRELY and sit on my backside all day as for example, if I sold my breeding stock, it'd potentially be another 4years lead in time before I'd be earning again, unless magically prices stayed the same as when I sold them, and I could actually find the correct number and type of animals for sale = unlikely. I also have animals that may not sell before my 'official' leave starts, or that due to rules and regs cannot go.

There's very little I can do about my breeding stock, at the very least they have to be kept going or I may as well lie down and die now, but at the same time I do NEED my MA as I've wound things down, so they'll just have to lump that one.

If for example I ask my husband to take cattle to market for me, does that count as 'work' and use up a KIT day? Am i allowed to receive money into my account when these animals go to market?

If somebody rings up about my unsold stock and i answer the phone and arrange for them to be picked up by the buyer, does THAT count as work?

Total minefield.

Tricky one. I have a very different business to you, but will need to keep mine ticking over a bit, mostly though keeping my network active and keeping in touch with clients (I'm not planning to do any work that generates income though, so I don't believe this affects my MA - I'll basically be doing those work related tasks for free).

It may depend on whether something like selling your stock is classed as renumeration for work, or receiving the proceeds from an investment (if you sold your house at a profit during that time it wouldn't affect your MA - so not sure about other 'assets'. Although guess livestock is a business rather than a personal asset...).

Have a look here: www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/ni17a-a-guide-to-maternity/ It gives a detailed breakdown of all the issues around MA. You may have to phone the DWP, Job Centre or your tax office for the very specific advice you're looking for. I haven't really worked out who is 'in charge' of MA so will be trying those three routes in turn for my questions!

To be honest though, I'm not going to worry too much about things like taking work calls or even looking over the odd report etc. while I'm off - I can't see how it affects MA unless I am actually being paid. If your buyer was picking up the stock AND giving you a cheque for it, this may be different though, I don't know!

Good luck!