Under universal credit rules, if you make a loss from your self-employment in one assessment period, you may be able to carry forward that loss to set-off against profit in a future assessment period.

If you are self-employed and claiming universal credit, DWP will need to decide if you are in ‘gainful self-employment’. 

This page explains how to report your self-employed income and how it is calculated for universal credit.

Universal credit is a monthly award and payments are generally made monthly.  In Northern Ireland, payments are usually made twice monthly. There are a number of alternative payment options available depending on your circumstances.

There is a formal appeal process if you want to challenge a decision about universal credit

For universal credit, if you are an owner or director of a limited company you may be treated as though you are self-employed and the company income treated as your self-employed income.