Freelancing and Self-Employment with a Disability

An IPSE study showed that “one of the key factors that encourages [a person with a disability] to become self-employed is the flexibility of work schedules and the ability to accommodate their conditions and impairments.”

The same study also showed that “self-employment offers disabled people the opportunity to accommodate their impairment or condition, suggesting that regular nine-to-five employment may make it difficult to work around their conditions.”

The flexibility of times, hours and days worked are without a doubt a huge advantage of being self-employed with a disability. Self-employment allows working around a schedule that fits an individual’s needs, such as around medical appointments and family commitments. 

For those with disabilities, pain and fatigue can often impact productivity levels. On better days pacing and deep working can take place at an optimum level. On days when a disability may be causing obstacles, flexible working can lead to an improved mental health > wellbeing > productivity cycle. A home setting that is more comfortable and inspiring than a traditional workplace can offer improved wellbeing and motivation for disabled freelancers.

Working remotely is a great advantage to becoming self-employed and working as a freelancer. No commute to bookend the day results in less energy expended and lower stress levels. For those with mobility issues, no additional travel, and working from home or remotely can be a positive effect. Home comforts and facilities being available when needed and being close to bulky medical equipment that doesn’t travel easily is another plus point.

Connecting with a like-minded community of freelancers and self-employed can offer a lot of support to those with disabilities. Sharing experiences, finding your ‘tribe’, and being able to ask for advice from others in self-employment with a disability is a real advantage, so as to increase a feeling of belonging.

“The social isolation of people with disabilities restricts their access to social networks,” WHO, Chapter 8 of the World Report on Disability, 2011.

Personal independence payment is a non-means-tested benefit, designed to help with some additional costs of long term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities. PIP is replacing the current disability living allowance (DLA), which is gradually being phased out.

PIP is available for those who have daily living or mobility difficulties with long term health conditions, including chronic illnesses. Problems with daily living or getting around (or both) must have lasted for at least three months, or for those who expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months.

After an in-person assessment, if you meet the requirements, you’ll receive a weekly grant payment which is tax-free.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.gov.uk/pip.

If you’re eligible for PIP and you work (which includes self-employment, you may be able to get the disability element of Working Tax Credit (up to £3,220 a year, or up to £4,610 if your disability is severe).

If you’re disabled and working at least 16 hours per week and already in receipt for Child Tax Credit, you may be eligible for Working Tax Credit. If you’re not in receipt of Child Tax Credit, you can instead apply for Universal Credit.

The eligibility rules for Universal Credit are dependent on your personal circumstances, savings and income. 

See the complete set of eligibility criteria and apply at https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit.

If you have a disability or health condition that affects your capability to work, you may be eligible to apply for the ‘new style’ Employment and Support Allowance. Eligibility includes whether you’re currently working (including self-employment) or have worked in the last two to three years (and have paid enough National Insurance contributions). 

You can continue to work when receiving ESA if you work less than 16 hours a week and do not earn more than £143 a week. ‘Supported permitted work’ of more than 16 hours per week is allowed in supervised circumstances, however, you still cannot earn more than £143 per week.

If eligible, a standard weekly assessment rate will be paid for 13 weeks, and after assessment, you’ll be placed into either a work-related activity group or a support group. Fortnightly payments can be a valuable lifeline to those with disabilities who may need additional support but want to maintain independence and continue to work with reduced hours.

‘New style’ ESA can also be paid if you have had or are recovering from the coronavirus (COVID-19) and you’re unable to claim Statutory Sick Pay.

For full details on ‘new style’ ESA and to apply, visit https://www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-new-style-esa.

The Access to Work scheme offers support in work if you have a disability or health condition. Which does apply in certain circumstances if you’re self-employed.

If you’re disabled, have a physical or mental health condition that makes it hard for you to do your job, you may be eligible for extra help from Access to Work. The support available is typically in the form of a grant to cover the costs of specialist equipment and adaptations, software and, in some circumstances, taxi fares. This also includes mental health support services and advice.

You can find full details of the Access to Work scheme, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, at https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work. 

New Enterprise Allowance is an additional form of support if you are looking to move into employment (or self-employment) so that you can start your own business, or develop your own business if you’re already self-employed.

New Enterprise Allowance consists of mentoring support and a potential weekly allowance of up to £1,274 for up to 26 weeks, and the opportunity for a loan for business start-up costs.

Eligibility is dependent on being in receipt of other benefits including Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance, or if you’re disabled, in receipt of Income Support.

Full details of how to apply for New Enterprise Allowance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work/starting-your-own-business. 

In addition to the above benefits, you may be able to apply for a disabled facilities grant or equipment for your home if you’re disabled and need to adapt your home to make it suitable. Contact your local council for eligibility and to apply.