New business as a single parent of autistic kids

[Lillythepussy]

I am a single parent with two autistic sons. They both attend special school, so their needs are quite significant. I escaped an abusive relationship, from which I am recovering. I haven’t worked since my eldest son was 3, and his needs became so great that I had no choice but to stop working as a teacher. I would love to do something now, but I am on universal credits, carers allowance etc. I am desperate to live a life as a productive person but I need to have flexobility to make this work. My solution would be to set up my own business as a dog walker/trainer (I’m pretty good at it) and perhaps a pet sitter on occasion. I don’t expect to make mega bucks, but I do aim to be productive.
How would this all work with universal credits? What if I don’t earn enough to live on?
I want to get off benefits as much as possible.
any advice would be helpful

I don't think it's fair to invite animals into your home with children there, SEN or not. That's not fair on the pets, owners or your kids

Requiring benefits isn't something to be ashamed of. They exist to help people in need and are something we should be proud to have available to those who need them. (At least they used to be.)

In your position is probably look to retrain in ESOL teaching and do a Celta qualification.

You can work online from home and through big companies or take on clients privately online or locally. You could also then offer your services to marginalised groups.

I understand what you’re saying, but I wouldn’t be taking animals into my home. I want to work with dogs, set up my own business to do so.
thanks for your reply though

Op have you thought of becoming a tutor to kids who are home schooling or who have special needs? Some of the companies in my area charge more than £100 an hour for SEN tutors - paid by the loca authority if you’re lucky enough to get an ehcp. Maybe you could charge half that? I would pay as a mum with two autistic children.