I Want To Get Off The Dole!
Seekjob started this topic @ 15:38 on 13/12/2011
Please, please can somebody help me? I want to get off the dole and start my own online website business. However, having no savings, I am a bit scared to take the step of announcing to the jobcentre that I want to sign off and work for my self. I know they have thing like the New Enterprise Allowance scheme, business mentor advice etc. However, my main worry is that, if I take the step, how will this affect my money? I mean, I know I would qualify for Working Tax Credit as a self employed person, but I worry how long would I have to wait for my Tax Credit to come through, and would it be less than JSA etc. Also, how much does the jobcentre actually give you a week for the first six months as you try to get your business off the ground.
So many questions, to which I would greatly appreciate receiving answers. Hope you can all help.
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RE: I Want To Get Off The Dole!
MusicBiz | 13/12/2011 04:07 PM
I would recommend to you speak with your JSA advisor. If you are 'a bit scared' to tell them, ask them in a way that shows you are looking at other options to get back into sustainable employment. At the end of the day the job centre is there to help you get back into work. Ask them, how better off you would be? If you were to go self employed. They would be able to do a better off calculations for you and explain, what benefits/grants are available to you.
RE: I Want To Get Off The Dole!
Seekjob | 13/12/2011 04:18 PM
Hi MusicBiz. Thank you for your reply. Yes, you are right when you say I should consult my JSA advisor about my plans to start my own business, and she has certainly given me the option of being referred to one of their small business advisors should I decide to make the appointment.
It's not so much that I am actually "scared" to tell the jobcentre themselves about becoming self-employed; it's more a case of being scared of ending up without any money as the ball starts rolling towards applying for tax credits and the subsequent wait, the process of signing off JSA, and the uncertainty of just HOW much would I be paid per week under the New Enterprise Allowance scheme - plus any JSA top up - should I decide to officially start up an online business as a sole trader. Then there arises the uncertainty of would the business be able to accrue an adequate income to enable me to maintain my self employed status.
And as if all that wasn't enough, the matters of how much N.I., tax and housing benefit would I have to pay as a self employed person, and how much of a dent all that would make into my income.
As you can see, my burning desire to start my own online business is being clouded somewhat by all this uncertainty about the financial aspect.
RE: I Want To Get Off The Dole!
Seekjob | 13/12/2011 04:33 PM
Just as a matter of interest, are there any people on here who have actually signed off JSA, started up their own online business (in a niche they're passionate about), availed themselves of the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme, and have eventually made a success of their business? I would really love to hear your stories, of both the highs and the lows, of leaving dole and going it alone.
RE: I Want To Get Off The Dole!
accounting-help | 14/12/2011 11:49 AM
As MusicBiz suggested that speak with your JSA advisor. Would also suggest you speak to the Citizen Advice Bureau.
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