I'm 26, and currently living with my grandparents. I've been on Job Seekers Allowance for 2 years without success. Last month, I attended an interview for a 15 hour a week administration post. They are contacting my references and are looking for office space but I should be working within the next few months. The job pays about £95 a week (£23 more than JSA).
I have to meet up with my work provider ‘Ingeus’ every couple of weeks. My new advisor recommends I go self-employed, alongside the 15 hours a week administration job. He says if I do freelance work for at least 15 hours a week, I would be eligible for working tax credits which pays £50 a week. We were talking about what I could do, and I have some ideas of offering a computer repair service, online selling, photography and graphic design work.
From what I understand, I would earn £95 a week from the administration job, receive £50 a week from working tax credits, as well as anything I earn from freelancing. I'm also planning to move into a 3 bedroom rented house with 2 friends (who work 25 hours a week part-time) before the spring and splitting the house three ways. I’m posting here for advice. I’m not experienced with things like this and I would be grateful to hear comments from more experienced and wiser people than myself.
Here are my questions:
I have to meet up with my work provider ‘Ingeus’ every couple of weeks. My new advisor recommends I go self-employed, alongside the 15 hours a week administration job. He says if I do freelance work for at least 15 hours a week, I would be eligible for working tax credits which pays £50 a week. We were talking about what I could do, and I have some ideas of offering a computer repair service, online selling, photography and graphic design work.
From what I understand, I would earn £95 a week from the administration job, receive £50 a week from working tax credits, as well as anything I earn from freelancing. I'm also planning to move into a 3 bedroom rented house with 2 friends (who work 25 hours a week part-time) before the spring and splitting the house three ways. I’m posting here for advice. I’m not experienced with things like this and I would be grateful to hear comments from more experienced and wiser people than myself.
Here are my questions:
- Have I understood the above correctly?
- Would I be eligible for housing benefit? and would I have to pay council tax?
- It’s my understanding that I have to fill out an annual tax form, showing my earnings and hours worked. Is this difficult to do?
- What other things would I have to do that I am not aware of?