Carers UK Forum

Hello.
I was hoping somebody might be able to give me some advice.
I currently claim carers allowance for looking after my disabled my husband who is a veteran.
I work part time for a retail company and earn under £128 a week.
Occasionally the DWP ask to see proof of my income and I just send them my pay statements.
I am planning to stop working for this company and instead work as a self employed horse groom for 10 hours a week at £12 an hour (£120 a week). This work will be paid in cash.
My question is when the DWP next ask me for proof of income what can I show them as I will no longer get a pay statement?
Can I show them a bank statement when I deposit my cash in to the bank each month?
Although I will earn under the allowance for income tax I will still have to submit a tax return but obviously this is only once a year and I have no control over when the DWP ask for proof of income.
Secondly, will my carers allowance payment each week still make a contribution to my national insurance or should I be making an annual national insurance payment like other self employed people do?
Any help would be great.
Kind regards.
Alyson.

Why get paid in cash?
Better to have a clear "audit trail" and be paid via BACS.

Hi there Alyson

Firstly I wanted to welcome you to our forum. I would suggest you contact our helpline who will be able to help you with your query. They can be contacted by phone or email on 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm or you can contact us by email (advice@carersuk.org)

We're also running various online meetups for our members, you can find information on how to register at the following pages:

Care for a Cuppa: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advic ... ne-meetups
This social is a great way to have a little break if you are able to and spend some quality time talking to people who understand what you are going through right now.

Share and Learn: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advic ... e-sessions
These sessions range from creative writing activities to beginners Latin dance sessions.

I'm sure you're already aware of these sessions Alyson, if you've not attended it would be great to see you there, and there's no pressure to share any info, unless you're comfortable to do so.

many thanks
Ingrid

We were self employed for 20 years. There are a number of advantages, HMRC explain what you can claim for, but you MUST get your paperwork right from the start, an invoice book, etc.

Hello Alyson

Please check your PM inbox for a response

thanks
Ingrid

Hope it all goes well ! Also interested to know about this as I'm considering going self- employed too.