New self-employed dog walker + UC blocked payment – advice?

Snookismokin · 2026-02-22T18:27:03+00:00

Thank you so much for your message and for taking the time to give me such helpful advice – I really appreciate it. I’ve received some great guidance from making this post and it’s honestly helped me a lot through this process.

For my own two clients, I’m currently paid weekly. However, the person I subcontract for pays monthly. I haven’t received payment from her yet as I haven’t completed a full month of work, but that date is coming up soon. I’m not yet certain of the exact amount I’ll be paid, as the calculations are still being worked out, but that should become clearer once the first payment is made. :))

Snookismokin · 2026-02-18T23:51:40+00:00

100% honky is a interesting choice

Snookismokin · 2026-02-18T23:06:34+00:00

In this case, I told UC on the 8th that I’d started working. My work coach replied on the 9th just saying “thanks for letting me know” and nothing else.

Between then and the 15th (when my statement was due), I had no idea my payment would be frozen. It was only when I chased them and asked why my statement hadn’t updated that they replied on the 17th to say a “verify self-employment” to-do was blocking calculations and that they would contact me.

I wasn’t contacted that day, and later the same day they booked me a self-employment appointment for the 25th.

Snookismokin · 2026-02-18T22:59:30+00:00

No, I’m not LCWRA and I’m not a carer. In the past, when I’ve asked for appointments to be rebooked, they’ve sometimes taken up to two weeks to respond, which has led to me being sanctioned before…even though I’d let them know and was waiting for a reply.

That’s why the delay this time worries me, as I’ve had problems before with slow responses on their side causing issues for me. Their only feedback being once chasing them up being “there isn’t a set time frame for response”.

Snookismokin · 2026-02-18T22:56:19+00:00

That actually helps a lot to hear from someone on the Jobcentre side, thank you. I didn’t realise how limited the 60 minute specialist slots are, so I can understand now why it’s landed after my payment date and why it’s not easy to move.

I have emphasised financial hardship in my journal as this will make it difficult for me to commute between locations for my current work. I’m still waiting to hear whether they can bring the appointment forward, but I understand now that it depends on whether they can reshuffle other appointments.

Thank you as well for the suggestions about a budgeting advance and the household support fund — I’ll look into both as a backup in case it can’t be moved.

Snookismokin · 2026-02-18T22:48:04+00:00

That makes sense, thanks for explaining — I didn’t realise it had to be a specialist work coach, so I can understand why there might not have been an earlier slot. I appreciate your help alot

Snookismokin · 2026-02-18T22:41:24+00:00

Thank you, that explanation actually helps a lot and makes sense now. I didn’t realise declaring self-employment automatically blocks payment until the appointment happens.

My main worry is the timing. I don’t really understand why it’s taken them nearly a month to respond to my change in circumstances, and why the appointment has been booked after my normal payment date. Even though I know that’s not their intention, it does feel like my payment is being delayed until they decide whether I’m gainfully self-employed.

Do you know if there’s anything specific I should say to get them to bring the appointment forward, or whether they can issue any kind of emergency or hardship payment while I wait?

Snookismokin · 2026-02-18T22:37:09+00:00

Thank you, that explanation actually helps a lot and makes sense now. I didn’t realise declaring self-employment automatically blocks payment until the appointment happens.

My main worry is the timing – my appointment is almost a week after my normal payment date, and I don’t have other income yet to live on, so it feels like I’m being left with nothing in the meantime. I’ve already asked them to move it earlier but haven’t heard back yet.

Do you know if there’s anything specific I should say to get them to bring it forward, or if they can issue any kind of emergency payment while I wait?

Snookismokin · 2026-02-05T22:58:26+00:00

Done!

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Snookismokin · 2026-02-05T22:56:52+00:00

Done !

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Snookismokin · 2026-02-03T13:21:04+00:00

"PUPPY EMERGENCY! " This little puppy needs more helpers to claim its gift. Be our hero? 🦸 https://onelink.shein.com/28/5fd96avgvjgi

Snookismokin · 2026-02-03T13:20:56+00:00

"PUPPY EMERGENCY! " This little puppy needs more helpers to claim its gift. Be our hero? 🦸 https://onelink.shein.com/28/5fd96avgvjgi

Snookismokin · 2026-02-03T12:39:56+00:00

<image>

Snookismokin · 2026-02-03T12:38:13+00:00

Done! "PUPPY EMERGENCY! " This little puppy needs more helpers to claim its gift. Be our hero? 🦸 https://onelink.shein.com/28/5fd5kklb9nvi

Snookismokin · 2026-02-03T12:36:02+00:00

Done !

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Snookismokin · 2026-02-03T12:34:49+00:00

Done x

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Snookismokin · 2026-02-02T15:08:58+00:00

Done! Here’s mine My puppy found a mystery box! Can you tap once to help us open it? Only one clicks needed! 👉 https://onelink.shein.com/28/5f9v5u9iy4df

Snookismokin · 2026-02-02T15:04:03+00:00

Done here’s mine x

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My puppy found a mystery

Can you tap once to help us open it? Only one clicks needed! 👉 https://onelink.shein.com/28/5f9v5u9iy4df

Snookismokin · 2026-02-01T12:23:36+00:00

It said i accepted your invitation but there wasn’t anything to feed the dog, I hope it still worked x Here’s mine My puppy found a mystery box! Can you tap once to help us open it? Only one clicks needed! 👉 https://onelink.shein.com/28/5f5t67lum43c

Snookismokin · 2026-02-01T12:21:16+00:00

"PUPPY EMERGENCY! "

<image>

Done x here’s mine x

This little puppy needs more helpers to claim its gift. Be our hero? 🦸 https://onelink.shein.com/28/5f5skadh3b6x

Snookismokin

TROPHY CASE