{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Can You Claim Universal Credit While Freelancing?","description":"Thinking about going freelance but worried about losing your Universal Credit? Good news, you don't have to choose. In this episode, I'm breaking down how Universal Credit actually works for self-employed people, and why it might be more flexible than you think.  What we cover:  Why Universal Credit isn't just for employed people, freelancers can claim too The Minimum Income Floor explained (and why it probably won't affect you straight away) The 12-month startup period and how it gives you breathing room to build your client base How to report your income and expenses monthly through your UC Journal What counts as an allowable business expense Why your work coach is your biggest ally, and their limitations too  Action steps: \u2713 Check your eligibility on&amp;nbsp;Government Universal Credit Information \u2713 Keep track of money actually received, not just invoiced \u2713 Log your allowable expenses monthly (equipment, software, travel, home working costs and more) \u2713 Consider a tool like FreeAgent to prepare for Making Tax Digital \u2713 Ask your work coach about your startup period and whether the Minimum Income Floor applies to you Resources mentioned: Government Universal Credit Information |&amp;nbsp; FreeAgent (affiliate link)| Order my book:&amp;nbsp;The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business \u26a0\ufe0f&amp;nbsp;Recorded April 2026: always double-check current rules on gov.uk as these can change. Subscribe for more quick, actionable freelance tips you can enjoy during a tea break! Timestamps: 0:00 \u2013 Introduction 0:19 \u2013 Can Freelancers Claim Universal Credit? (Overview) 0:55 \u2013 Universal Credit Eligibility for Self-Employed People 2:09 \u2013 What Is the Minimum Income Floor and How Does It Affect You? 3:24 \u2013 The 12-Month Startup Period: How to Qualify and What It Means 5:00 \u2013 How to Report Your Income and Expenses to Universal Credit 7:00 \u2013 Universal Credit as a Tool to Grow Your Freelance Business Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com&amp;nbsp; Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community:&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/discord.gg\/RKYkReS5Cz ","author_name":"The Freelancer's Tea Break","author_url":"http:\/\/freelancelifestyle.libsyn.com\/freelancersteabreak","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/41047075\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/201282295"}