Small Business

Hi, I have a slightly complicated question.

I am have been in receipt of ESA in the Support Group, after being transferred from IB after my last assessment. I recently returned an assessment form as it is just over two years since I was put in the Support Group and it was time for review.

I will be having a doctor assess me on a home visit in a few weeks.

My health condition is slightly worse than it was two years ago. I have requested audio recording of the interview.

One thing that has changed is that I have self published a book (which took me 14 years to complete!). I have set up a sole trader business bank account and I believe I will need to register for tax purposes as a small business. Other than administration and occasional talks or internet interviews I may give about the book, it doesn't require me to do much now that I have finally completed it.

I wonder if you can advise me on the following questions:
What threshold of royalties I would need to declare for benefits? Obviously I can accrue royalties from internet sales without me actually spending 'time at work'. I assume that my tax would be assessed on the basis of my aggregate income of benefits and royalties together.
What the situation is with regard to my NI contributions?
Should I disclose this to the examining doctor when they see me?
Any other important information I should know about what I need to declare to the DTI or DWP in regard to registering this business?

I am most grateful for any advice you can give me on this.

Thankyou, Jessica23

Jessica23 wrote: Hi, I have a slightly complicated question.

I am have been in receipt of ESA in the Support Group, after being transferred from IB after my last assessment. I recently returned an assessment form as it is just over two years since I was put in the Support Group and it was time for review.

I will be having a doctor assess me on a home visit in a few weeks.

My health condition is slightly worse than it was two years ago. I have requested audio recording of the interview.

One thing that has changed is that I have self published a book (which took me 14 years to complete!). I have set up a sole trader business bank account and I believe I will need to register for tax purposes as a small business. Other than administration and occasional talks or internet interviews I may give about the book, it doesn't require me to do much now that I have finally completed it.

I wonder if you can advise me on the following questions:
What threshold of royalties I would need to declare for benefits? Obviously I can accrue royalties from internet sales without me actually spending 'time at work'. I assume that my tax would be assessed on the basis of my aggregate income of benefits and royalties together.
What the situation is with regard to my NI contributions?
Should I disclose this to the examining doctor when they see me?
Any other important information I should know about what I need to declare to the DTI or DWP in regard to registering this business?

I am most grateful for any advice you can give me on this.

Thankyou, Jessica23

Hi J23,

Welcome to Benefits and Work

ESA is an "out of work" benefit !!

The only remunerative work that you can do is "Permitted Work" , this must be agreed with The DWP prior to doing the work, and only they can decide if any work that you intend to do will be classed as "Permitted Work"

Although the following query was from an Artist, the same applies, see : This Topic.

Please reply to this topic if you have any further queries.

bro58

Thankyou for your assistanc Bro58.

I have looked at the artist lamawindsurfer's thread which was of some help.

Like that member I treated the writing as a hobby for a very long time, only recently realising it had got to a stage where it might be publishable. And I had not realised that having a book for sale online would amount to 'work'.

I have not at any time exceeded the income allowed or hours involved.

Should I then declare this in writing before I have my medical?

Thankyou for your assistance.

Thanks Gordon,

Anticipating your reply I have prepared a draft letter to send.

Regards,

Jessica23