Surviving on a low wage

[Pesk]

My son is an actor so is self employed. He has recently landed a contract until January with a theatre company on the equivalent of �11.000 per annum.

Are there any benefits he can claim? The working tax credit scheme is so complicated it's difficult to decipher.

Any advice (apart from get another career) would be helpful.

Thanks

[puddicat]

They will equate this, and give him tax credits, all he has to do his tell them that he is employed till january and they will adjust, he has to declare his earnings!!!

[Ethel]

Is he married, with a family?

[puddicat]

ethel no i think hes single otherwise he would have gone for family credits

[Tom Braider]

He may not be self-employed on this contract, at least for National Insurance purposes, and if he's not then benefits etc may be easier to claim. He should phone his tax office and ask to speak to a status inspector to find out more. Or see this link: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/esmmanual/ESM41 45.htm

[energysaler]

Save money in areas where you can reduce your outgoings.

For instance reducing your gas and electricity bills is an excellent cost free investment and can also be seen as a pay rise.

Upto �400 per year in your pocket is very welcome dont you think?

I would love to help keep more money in your pockets. like the many others who have used my services.

I look forward to hearing from you.
http://www.energywholesaler.co.uk

[Pesk]

Thanks everyone for your answers. He's going to ring the relevant folk during the week and try to establish what he's entitled to.

Ta

[russell01]

I am about to get working tax credit details and am self employed. Shouldnt be too complex - but just ring hmrc if any questions. But if you want the money, you have got to answer the questions. R