Hi there… I’m seeking some advice please… I informed carers allowance (online form) in July that I had entered self employment. All good as I was only working 6 hours so would be under the earnings threshold… Fast forward to September and my hours increased to 16 hours per week which would take me over the earnings threshold. I called them this time to inform them of my change of circumstances and they said they would be sending out a form for me to complete regarding my self employment… I’ve heard nothing since, but they have continued to pay Carers Allowance for Sept and Oct, I was over the earnings limit for October so I don’t understand why they’ve paid me carers allowance?? It also has a direct effect on Universal Credit as they have deducted the carers allowance amount from my UC. So it appears I will end up with an overpayment of Carers Allowance for Oct, and a deduction that should not have been made from my UC…
I will be calling Carers Allowance again on Monday, but I’ve been hearing rumours that they have a back log for claims and change of circumstance etc. I have put the money aside so I can pay them back.
It’s such a headache and my finances are in such a mess at the moment. I was in the position where I had to return to work from a financial point of view, I had no other choice, but I didn’t expect it to be like this.
Are you still self employed? If so, do you understand how to calculate your earnings AFTER DEDUCTIONS? Are you keeping good records for the tax man? I am probably one of very few people who has been sent a letter complimenting me on the accuracy of our records! Long ago iI managed the accounts for a hospital in Western Australia. In two years I turned it round from worst performing to best performing in the state! My top tip is to add up figures very regularly, and check everything month by month, then it’s easier to spot. Any mistakes. HMRC Have lots of information about allowable expenses, things like heating and lighting, be sure to claim everything possible!
Do make sure you claim for every expense you possibly can because the figure taken into account is AFTER all deductable expenses and Tax and NI.