How Will My Business Affect My Benefits?

Originally written by Wendy Sloane, updated by the editorial team on 2nd April 2026

W.A asks

I am a single mother on benefits and am looking to set up a soft play centre in the town where I live with a set of similar mums. I am aware of the financial obligations of setting up this business, and am looking to get funding.

While the business is in its infancy, where do I stand with benefits? While the first few months will generate turnover, this will not be a wage to me or the other people involved, so how will my benefits be affected?

I am currently putting together a business plan and doing market research and I am only in the first stages. Are you aware of any guidance or possible funding charities that may be of assistance?

First, that's fantastic news that you are looking to set up your own business - and even taking the first step by writing a business plan. It sounds as if it will be quite a challenge, but the rewards are well worth it. It also seem as if you are going into a field which interests you and will, in the long-term, be fun as well as rewarding, with other like-minded people to work alongside you.

However, you are in a bit of a conundrum over what it will mean to your benefits if you start your own business, which is understandable. Most likely the benefits you receive now would be Universal Credit - while of course you also get child benefit, which will not be affected no matter how much you earn in your own business.

If you start working without generating any income you should still qualify for Universal Credit, as well as housing benefit, if you get it now. Your best bet is to talk to your Status Officer at your Tax Office (HM Revenue & Customs) to determine whether – or when - you will have to register as self-employed, and what this will mean as far as benefits and National Insurance payments etc will mean. If you earn less than a specific amount, your other benefits should not be affected anyway.

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You may qualify for specific grants, low-cost loans and other financial help, depending on your age and the type of business. The Prince's Trust, for example, can provide some incentives.

The New Deal for Lone Parents (NDLP) programme ended in 2011. It can help provide you with necessary training, point you in the direction of business advice, and – perhaps more importantly – give you money/grants to help pay for childcare and transport.

The government website GOV.UK can help with advice on getting grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance. See www.gov.uk for details, and see if you could qualify to receive loans under the Government's Growth Guarantee Scheme. Borrowing from friends and family is also a way some people start up on their own, perhaps giving them a share in the business in return.

Finally, finish up your business plan. It sounds as though you could have a very interesting new career ahead of you!

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

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Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Working Parent Support Checker lets you see what financial support a working parent could be entitled to, from free childcare hours and tax-free childcare to Child Benefit and Universal Credit help. Try it now →

40 questions

Ask A Working Mum a Question

Zan 24/06/2021 at 12:39 pm

Hi, I'm a full time carer for my disabled son and husband and we are surviving on benefits. I want to start an online business which would probably not earn anything for the next 18 months. Would it affect the benefits we are receiving? I don't want us to be unable to buy food and pay rent if everything stops and no incoming profit from business either. Really worried, as I sincerely want to be able to have a chance to be financial independent.

Skyrobi 11/02/2021 at 11:04 am

Hi, I'm a fulltime carer for my 9 year old who recieves DLA, and I get carers allowance, child tax credit, child and housing benefit. I would like to open an online bookshop, specialising in books for all harmed by abusers. I will spend around 2 hours a day working online. What would be the best business model, so that I will still be considered my child's full time carer please? I'm doing the store to keep me sane, and so that in the future if my child doesn't need me so much I can run with it. Many thanks for your advice.

Lucy 18/09/2020 at 6:14 pm

I am looking at setting my own business up where i will rent some chairs out to other people but was wondering how this will affect my Benfit’s currently on income support me & partner have 3 children one which is disabled so my partner gets careers allowance as well & my child gets dla we also get Housein & council tax support would theses stop ? As at first I probably won’t be earning the rent i will receive from renting chairs will cover rent for premises

Jane 17/09/2020 at 8:47 pm

Hello
I currently work 33hours a week but get topped up about £250 a month to help with rent as on low income Looking to set up own business along side of work..is there a bit of leeway before you get benefits stopped? Just so you can find your feet? Also would there be any grants that would apply yo me or would i need to be unemployed to get them? Thanks

Ab 03/09/2020 at 5:32 pm

We are a family and we have 3 kids.My husband is self-employed and currently on UC .We are thinking of opening our own business but we are not sure what will happen to our UC.Will we loose it straight away?How about rent payments?

Rok 16/08/2020 at 1:02 pm

I am 15 years old and I wanted to try out dropping shipping with my parents Permission but my parents receive benefits and I wanted to know if that would affect their benefits or the kids benefits

Shamy 24/07/2020 at 6:44 pm

Hello. I am under child benefits and house benefits and I work part time now . But I will like to open a business by myself if recycling cardboards and I was wondering how it will be effecting on my business or what will be happening. I heard from people that it will effect after I started my business after a year.

cat 14/07/2020 at 2:59 pm

hi im a single mum of 2 boys im about to open a business taking over from previous owner , im currently on pip for mental health due to nervous breakdwn after my marriage broke down n I had to be homeless , then my dad died and I was grief stricken. My son is on dla im his carer , my two sons will be returning to school again soon now I want back into the world to be able to provide n live again and to open this business to get a better life for me n my boys im afraid incase it doesn't work and im stripped of all my benifets n left much worse off, im in middle of a divorce aswell and dnt knw how this would all be effected would i still get legal aid i get income support n child benifet n child tax credits im all confused on how life will work out and how to go about things the right way any help would be much appreciated

Tigga 09/07/2020 at 12:41 pm

Hi, I’m currently on esa and claim pip my wife is my carer and we have 3 children so obviously also get help with rent costs. My question is me and my wife want to set up our own business but we are afraid that we won’t get any help with the rent and lose all our benefits, can anyone shine any light on where we would stand to start off with? Thanks

Bernice 17/06/2020 at 8:44 am

Advice for single parents. Find a professional at the CAB or a local charity. Give them the authority to apply for things for you. Getting benefits and then having them cut off for no good reason is my experience. My only hope of getting UC and other benefits is to threaten court action, write to your local MP. They will refer you to someone. As I’ve been struggling a lot I complained to the government and they agreed to pay half my rent arrears. It’s good, but if you take your case to a judge they usually order a 0 balance. If you earn under 25,000 you are living in poverty. Best wishes moms/ super moms.

Kay 18/04/2020 at 2:50 pm

Hi I am a single mum working 37.5 hours a week. My tax home pay is to it roughly £1090. I am planning on starting up a small from home business. To I have to Declare myself as a sole trader and will my benefits be cut? I am currently receiving working tax credits and child tax credits.

Thankyou

Dee 14/02/2020 at 2:29 pm

Can I register my business? And still claim benefits if I have no income from the business yet. The reason I'm asking is to book events In the future, they're asking for. For my business registration. Im in Northampton district.
Kind regards

Lizzie 06/09/2019 at 9:46 am

Hello, so I have 2 young child and they will be starting full time school in 2 years time. I known it a while away fron now but I won't to make sure I can truly do what I plan to do for them and myself. The situation is that I do have a business plan to work from home to manage the term times in the future. I plan to work within the industry that my own business is. 25 hours a week or less. I have gone on turn2u which stated that I'll still be eligible for some benefits as it's class as low income. But I would like on the side to proceed with my business plan, and sell my produce, as I am setting up my business I would be investing the money that I receive, into the business and ill not receiving a wage. The question that's I'm asking is weather my benefits would be stopped? I do have 2 children to support and a home, i don't want to risk affecting those the best I can. Second question is , Do I need to inform HM Revenue and Customs about my business and working part time and register as some status?

Be looking forward to hearing your advice.

Kinds regards
Elizabeth

Sam 22/03/2019 at 8:13 pm

Hi
I’m working 16hurs a week and I’m receiving housing benefit right now and I don’t have any kids. I’m planning to make a first business for my self that to open a small mobile shop so my question is, because it’s a new and first, do I still get any benefits? And what I can do?

Desperate 10/09/2018 at 12:54 pm

Hi, I work 30 hrs a week, but I want to leave my employment and work from home but get tax credit and housing benefit as my wage is low. What if I don’t earn enough to pay my rent will I get any help or I’d lose my accommodation.

Myles Elliott 28/08/2018 at 11:48 am

Hi, i recently declared myself as self employed whilst claiming my benefits. Money coming in from work- can i reinvest that money in to my business? Im not earning money to live on yet.
Not sure what the rules are.

AWorkingMum Editor 30/07/2018 at 3:10 pm

The link here should help answer your question. Invariably, your benefits will be affected as the government will not allow you to earn money and keep your benefits. We wish you all the best if you decide to take the leap.

Zoe 29/07/2018 at 8:29 pm

I’m a single mum and completely estranged from my Childs father so have never received any financial support. I have various mental health conditions which have meant I can’t get a normal job but I’m desperate to use my brain and work so have started the foundations of a business from home. I’ve not launched anything officially and not received any money or sold a thing but really want to give it a go. I’m scared that my benefits will be affected and then my health will prevent me if I can’t cope or make any money then I’ll be left in a worse place and undo all the hard work I’ve put into my recovery. However I’m desperate to give it a go for nothing but confidence and passion in the field of promoting Single Mothers which is what my business is aimed at. Any advise would be gratefully appreciated.

Stacey 19/07/2018 at 12:00 pm

Hi

I'm 29, single parent of a 3 and 6 year old and receive housing benefit, income support and child tax credits

I do sewing as a hobby and alot if people have shown interest I my makes so I thought about starting selling then from home.

How is income and hours worked calculated? If I don't earn enough what happens to my benefits

I literally have no idea where to start

Could I have some advice please on all the Bove

AWorkingMum Editor 13/07/2018 at 10:49 am

Unfortunately, the only option you have is whichThere is help out there from the government, but it will always be minimal.

Mumofmia 12/07/2018 at 10:28 am

Hi all
I'm a single mum and have been on income support for near my 4.5 years! I used to work in Sainsbury's but due to domestic violence I had to give up everything and had the confidence knocked from me (liteally) my long life passion is baking and I've been baking homemade cakes for 12 years building up a great portfolio from friends and family I have my own secret personal Facebook group with hundreds pics and it's great!
I'm currently getting income support (that stops in December when my girl turns 5 and I go to universal credit I'm stressing out so much but I don't want to go into any job just to see ends meet and that will make me miserable knowing I have this burning passion inside me I want to go bigger! I've wanted this for so so long but very VERY little support off my close family:( if anything I've always been told youbcant have your own business (not good enough then ) I have to beg for any praise !! Anyway back to the question

I really want to start my own business only something small to start off with a really good coffee shop serving great cupcakes and maybe the odd cake on the side ?
Then grow as the customers grow...I'm able to offer loads as in celebration cakes and cupcakes and home made fudge and truffles I can do all that but I don't want to take on too much!

If I did go ahead with this will benifits be effected as I've been told I won't make no income for the first 3 or 4 years I'll be seeing ends meet which is fine for me as I won't be any better off than now haha
But I'll be doing what I love

I'm just wondering if I still get housing benifit and so forth

Any advice would help

Also I'm in South Wales

Cha 28/06/2018 at 5:26 pm

Hi
I'm a single mum of one and was just wondering if I register my business will it affect my benefits? I get universal credit allowance and child benefits.

AWorkingMum Editor 19/06/2018 at 2:49 pm

NEA could give you money and support to help you start your own business. You need to be receiving certain benefits and have a business idea that could work, It is also worth speaking to your Jobcentre Plus who will help you with telling you what you can claim.

MYSTIQUE 18/06/2018 at 10:51 pm

I am a single parent of one with and i have started up a small business.
i Have no funds available even strugling to buy food and pay bills.
I would like help in knowing what i am allowed to claim please as im only on month 3 i get tax credits and working tax credits is there andy funding i can get to help my buisness make more money as i have the clients coming in but still finding it hard

AWorkingMum Editor 26/04/2018 at 9:40 am

You may be able to get New Enterprise Allowance to help you start your own business, However, this would affect your benefits - as it is designed to get people off benefits. Please also , which will further explain all you need to know.

Leah 25/04/2018 at 3:07 pm

Hi there, I am a single mother of two I work 10hrs per week and receive child tax credit and housing benefit. I am wanting to set up a handmade jewellery and artwork business. Will this affect my benefits? I have no idea of my sales or of the regularity of sales until I set up. But am not sure whether or not to take the leap as I might not earn enough to support my family

clare 30/03/2018 at 2:37 am

Hi, I'm currently on maternity and get paid for 16 hours and I'm going back in summer. My partner works 40 hours a week and I also claim pip for mental health issues. We have 2 children. I am setting up a small business from home, with not much profit at all to begin with. But I wondered, am I still eligible for tax credits? Will they go up or down? I will only be making about £25 a week to begin with. Tia x

Hez 06/01/2018 at 10:19 pm

Hi I have been offered a small franchise delivering milk. my husband is disabled and we claim benefits at the minute. I have 4 children living at home with us. One works one goes to college and the other two in school. I need to know how this would affect us if I take the franchise on. It’s meanly my son college am worried for as I know I wouldn’t be able to afford this as well as full rent and other bills thanks hez

Sadd 25/09/2017 at 2:33 pm

Hi. I am mom of three and currently on benefits. I am trying to start my own business. I ordered stuff from china. And have no clue how to handle custom clearance. (I contacted courier company ) they said I have to register my business on order to get it delivered without any issues with custom clearance) I am scared to register myself as a business because its funny I don't earn a single penny ATM. How is it going to effect my on my benefits.and i am scared for loosing the benefits because I have no help around with my daily expenses.

AWorkingMum Editor 04/04/2017 at 10:42 am

I think in cases such as this it is advisable to talk to a business adviser through the DWP, as you will be able to discuss these issues directly. It is important to be aware of the pitfalls as well as the benefits - as your benefits will be affected and we do not hold this information.

Livy 03/04/2017 at 2:29 pm

I'm a single mum with two children, I couldn't find the informations about this situation - if I Starting to join the small business, I will receive commission from the sales but very small to start with , and it is all depends on me and how well I do.. the hours are vary, depends on you.. average 10 hours per week to do the business.. this business is a 5 years plan to be successful , and I will receive commission direct to your account and I will have commission invoice every month to show income .. therefore the benefits should remain the same, til I earn the certain amount that went over the permitted to work scheme and it should be calculate for small cut. Wondering would my benefit will affect or it would be small cut? Appreciate to your response. Thanks

Leesa 13/05/2016 at 11:45 am

Hi
Please can you advise me I currently work 16 hours and i am also s full time mature student. I have a little boy and I am single parent I have a house with a mortgage I get no help towards my house even though it's interest only. Th only benefit I get is working tax and child tax no free meals or school meals. Iv enquirer and I would be finismcisy better off if I was to give up work and claim income support sure this can not be correct I appreciate any help that you could offer

Oz Editor 10/12/2015 at 1:57 pm

@Marie - If you earn extra money from this, then it may affect your benefits. It also depends whether you would have to register as a sole trader alongside your other job, as you would have to fill in a tax return which could affect your benefits when you come to file your earnings.

Marie 09/12/2015 at 9:49 pm

Hi I am a mum of two little ones currently working 16hrs per week.
I am interested in a business opportunity that has been presented to me!
I receive tax credits and housing benefit.
I really want to know how this will effect me if at all?

AWorkingMum Editor 26/08/2015 at 12:08 pm

You can try the Turn 2 Us website here which will tell you what benefits you may be eligible for. I hope this helps.

ginge 25/08/2015 at 3:15 pm

Hello need more information for a single working mum , married but not living together. Are they entitled to a reduction in council tax or any other bills. She works as a teacher, but has not decided to return to work yet?
thanks

AWorkingMum Editor 08/05/2015 at 11:40 am

@Linds - I have included a link to Turn to Us here which should help answer your question.

Linds 07/05/2015 at 4:15 pm

I am a single mum and have just finished work on Friday. I am looking for help to start my own business and I don't want to claim job seekers or income support. I wondered if I could still carry on claiming working tax credits as I am working all hours to try and set my business up. Unfortunately no money is coming in as I'm just at the starting phase. I wondered if I could get help with housing benefit and council tax whilst I'm doing this? If anyone could help I'd be extremely grateful. X

AWorkingMum Editor 31/03/2015 at 1:33 pm

@Mic - I have included a link to gov.uk Start Your Own Business via whichI hope this helps.

Mic 29/03/2015 at 11:22 am

Hi , i need more advise to start my own business .
Thanks
Mohsin

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