My boyfriend is just setting up his own business after being out of work for 8 months and being unable to find employment. He's doing carpentry, property maintenance and gardening, that sort of thing. He's got a bit of work at the moment which is brilliant but i was jsut wondering if there was any help that is available to keep him going until work picks up properly? I get working tax credit because i don't earn a hige amount and its a great help, but i'm not sure how they would calculate something like that if you are self employed? (I should point out that we don't live together yet because of the finance situation, we both live at home. )

i'm sure he can claim something but i don't know who you'd ring. my advice would be to contact citizens advise in your area and they should be able to point you in the right direction for help. i think you can find them online for contact details.

There is a scheme via the jobcentres in conjunction with "in biz" to help  people on benefit start self employment, not sure if it is available in all areas, but think so.  Haven't got the full details, but rougly speaking it lets you start up trading and keep benefit for about 6 months while the business gets off the ground, I think they give you start up advice too.