Self-Employed Claiming Benefits

[naomi24]

Not sure where to put this, but here goes. Can someone who has been self-employed all his life, but has now become seriously ill, claim benefits? He’s 52 and has paid his National Insurance contributions, but it’s doubtful he’ll ever be able to work again. He has no property and no savings.

[mrs_overall]

Corbyloon, I am dealing with the form filling for my friend with the broken neck. I have read a letter earlier this week stating categorically that because he paid class 2 contributions he was NOT entitled to ESA.
I don't claim to be any kind of expert on the subject but I have seen this fact in black and white

[jim360]

Well that letter is wrong, and I would advise your friend, Mrs. O., to write back and say so.Paying class 2 contributions doesn't affect your entitlement to ESA. If anyone says otherwise they have got their acts wrong -- sorry to hear that you've been told so.

[mrs_overall]

I will query that in the morning jim

[jim360]

Let me know the reply you get back Mrs. O.

[THECORBYLOON]

He may not have paid sufficient Class 2 conts in the relevent year or years relating to the claim but that is a different matter

[jim360]

Did you end up hearing anything?

[Buenchico]

A benefits calculator might be of use to some people on this thread:
http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

[mrs_overall]

Me again.

I hold my hands up and admit I was wrong. Once I re read the letter it turns out he has not paid sufficient Class 2 contributions, which is a different ball game.

My apologies

[jim360]

Ah. Yes, that would do it.

[lcg]

Hi naomi.....sorry about your friend and that he is having such a rough time. I would also like to offer support in him navigating the benefits system.....as a psych nurse, I do countless dla/esa forms....and for my mum and other half. I would be happy to help - please give me a shout if you need anything. Regards.....Lisa x

[joko]

surely if he cannot work he can cancel his SE status - close his sole trader business down - and therefore be no longer self employed

then he will surely be entitled to the same benefits as any other unemployed sick people....?

[THECORBYLOON]

A self-employed (or employed) person can claim based on the contributions made. If sufficient contributions have not been made, the claim needs to be based on their income. The fact that someone stops being self-employed changes only the class of National Insurance they are liable to pay, it does not mean they will suddenly qualify for ESA.

[naomi24]

Sorry for the delay. I’ve been away. He’s still very poorly, but at the moment it looks like he will survive and he is in a better mood. He also has someone from social services advising him and his partner on finances, but I don’t know the outcome of that yet. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for your help. It’s appreciated.