Check you have the ‘right to reside’ for housing

Summary

If you can prove you’re self employed, you’ll have a right to reside. The work has to be ‘genuine and effective’ not just ‘marginal and ancillary’. This means it can’t be a small, occasional job. Self-employed people are eligible for help with housing and homelessness. A Big Issue seller working up to 24 hours a week and earning between £45-150 is doing genuine and effective work. Another Big Issue seller who works about 40 hours a week but only earns up to £50 is doing marginal and ancillary work. This is because the seller’s income after paying costs is so low it isn’t considered to be self employment. When you apply for help with housing, you’ll need to show your local council evidence that proves you’re self-employed. If you’ve only been self-employed for a short time, you’ll still have a right to reside if you can show you’ve taken steps to start working. * adverts you’ve used to promote your services - for example, a leaflet or social media post * letters and emails that show you’ve been looking for new work opportunities * proof you’ve registered as self-employed with HM Revenue & Customs - for example, letters or emails confirming you’re registered * receipts and invoices.

Key information

• adverts you’ve used to promote your services - for example, a leaflet or social media post
• letters and emails that show you’ve been looking for new work opportunities
• proof you’ve registered as self-employed with HM Revenue & Customs - for example, letters or emails confirming you’re registered
• receipts and invoices for equipment you use for work - for example, if you’re a decorator you could show you’ve bought paint and brushes
• bank statements for your work accounts
• keeping your accounts up to date
• trying to find new work opportunities
• letters or emails from your employer - for example, a job offer
• tax documents - for example, your P60, P45 or tax return
• something that shows why you had to leave your job - for example, a redundancy letter
• invoices and bank statements showing you’ve been paid for work
• you’re not well enough to do the work you normally do

Practical guidance

• Source: Check you have the ‘right to reside’ for housing

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