I am claiming JSA at the moment (the NI contributions-related one), and have started doing a little work self-employed. Because I am an honest person, I told the relevant authorities and filled out the forms. My JSA payments have been suspended since January pending their decision. I'm only working about an hour a week, and payment is very sporadic, so at the moment I'm totally broke (but DH is working, so it's OK).
I am pregnant, and will be claiming Maternity Allowance, based on previous work.I have just realised that I won't be able to work during this period, apart from the 10 KIT days allowed. So that means that the minimal S/E work that I do now will have to stop. I'll have to stop taking on clients, and as they are on a long-term basis, I really should let them all know soon, meaning I will lose any income from that now-ish.
If I hadn't done the S/E forms I wouldn't have this problem. It all seems totally ridiculous for an hour each week. Sadly, there simply isn't enough work for me to warrant not claiming either JSA or MA. What should I do?