Becoming self employed and social welfare

Son

Hi

I have been claiming social welfare for a few months and in that time i have decided to set up my own business.I registered the business name last August because i thought i would be starting up sooner but now it won't be until just after Christmas.

So the question is.....Is it ok to be claiming social welfare while preparing to become self employed?
Might seem like a stupid question but technically your supposed to be "looking for work"

Bandara

Collect it, you've paid tax your whole life, you have no income at the moment, your going to start paying tax again the day you open your business.

Your not scamming anyone and your doing nothing wrong. There is nothing feel uneasy about.

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

Son

The Scientist wrote: »

Wouldn't be too sure about that...
Moved to State Benefits for a more accurate answer.

So your saying im doing wrong?

Son

Hammertime wrote: »

Collect it, you've paid tax your whole life, you have no income at the moment, your going to start paying tax again the day you open your business.

Your not scamming anyone and your doing nothing wrong. There is nothing feel uneasy about.

Thanks for that.I thought the same way but as you can see some people will look at it a different way.
I genuinely am out of work for months,have lots of tools,equipment,insurance to buy for new business.

Reason i asked the question in the first place was that that i have a meeting with social welfare next week and they ask me to bring along evidence of seeking work,which i wouldn't have as i have been making progress for my own business.Have a business registration cert,website designed,business cards,don't know if this will be ok?

Heisenberg.

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Son

Ok,no bother thanks.

delllat

I would suggest getting them some evidence before you go
send 5 cvs by fax to 5 companies with cover letter asking "if they have any positions available" and keep reciepts of the fax,s

that will cover you for the labour

If you tell them you are not currently "actively seeking work" they will cut you off immediately
they dont do business investments or sponsor entrepreneurs setting up companies
I know a guy who was cut recently because he was doing a language class for 1hour a day

they will not be impressed by your business cards or website

If i were u i would be not mentioning my business until you are ready to sign off the unemployment register and dont need the payment anymore

Son

Dellat...i think i will do that.I don't have fax though,should a copy of sent emails do the job?

silversurfer

copy of emails should be ok, that's what I did a few years ago.
It's also nice to give them copies of the negative replies also.

I'd not mention the start of the new business, yet, especially as it's not off the ground yet

delllat

its best to send the faxes from fas for a couple of reasons

mainly because it shows youve actually been in fas looking for work

another good reason to send from fas is fas will pay for all your photocopying to be done (cvs ,cover letteres,application forms etc)

they will also not charge you for the faxes they send

and also they will give you a nice print out that details where the fax was sent and what time etc

this is great to bring to the social!

Son

Thanks for the advice fella's,i will give it a shot