Self employment and benefits - What benefits can I claim?

When it comes to working out which benefits you are eligible for and how much you might get, the same rules apply whether you work for an employer or are self employed. However, it can be a little trickier working out your hours and earnings if you are self employed.

Benefits you might be entitled to when you are self employed include:

• Universal Credit

• Council Tax Support if you have to pay council tax

• Child Benefit if you have children

• Pension Credit if you are over Pension Credit age

• Working Tax Credit if you are working full time (this could mean 16, 24 or 30 hours). Most people are no longer able to make new claims for Working Tax Credit.

• Housing Benefit (HB England, Scotland, Wales)  or (HB Northern Ireland) if you live in a rented property. Most people are no longer able to make new claims for Housing Benefit.

• Child Tax Credit if you have children. Most people are no longer able to make new claims for Child Tax Credit.

• Jobseeker's Allowance if you work part time (less than 16 hours) and are looking for work. Most people are no longer able to make new claims for income related Jobseeker's Allowance, but if you have made sufficient National Insurance contributions you might be able to claim New Style Jobseeker's Allowance.

• A Support with mortgage interest loan if you have a mortgage or home loan and are entitled to Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support or Pension Credit. If you are claiming Universal Credit you will only be able to get a Support with mortgage interest loan if you have no earned income.

If you are self employed but are not able to work due to illness, injury or disability, there are other benefits you might be able to get. See: What benefits can I claim if I can't work because of illness, injury or disability?