We live in a world where traditional employment structures assume that if health challenges prevent someone from working in a conventional way, their economic contribution must cease, leaving them dependent on state benefits. But in the age of information and remote work, this outdated view no longer holds true.
It’s surprising what can be achieved, even in the face of health barriers. The key is to shift the focus from limitations to strengths. The journey starts with identifying what you remain good at, despite any health challenges, and what you love to do. This process, which we call a human capital asset audit, forms the foundation for financial independence and personal fulfilment.
The First Step: Identifying Your Strengths
Everyone has skills, knowledge, and experiences that remain valuable regardless of physical health. These are assets that can be leveraged. Perhaps you have strong communication skills, a wealth of industry knowledge, creativity, or problem-solving abilities. Maybe you’re great at writing, teaching, mentoring, or designing. Your capabilities don’t disappear just because traditional employment isn’t an option. They just need to be repositioned.
The Next Step: Creating Opportunities
Once you’ve identified your strengths, the next step is recognising where they align with market demand. What does the world need? What will people pay for? The internet has opened up a global economy where people can work from anywhere, offering services, creating content, or selling knowledge-based products.
Examples of economic activities that work well for those with health challenges include:
- Freelancing: Writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, consulting, coaching, or marketing services.
- Online Education: Teaching or mentoring in a field of expertise, through online courses, tutoring, or membership groups.
- Digital Entrepreneurship: Selling digital products, running an e-commerce store, or monetising content via blogs, YouTube, or podcasts.
- Remote Work: Many companies now offer fully remote roles that accommodate flexible hours and different abilities.
This is not just about earning money—it’s about reclaiming autonomy and finding purpose.
The Outcome: A Life of Significance
The benefits of this approach go beyond financial security. It fosters eudaimonic well-being—a deep sense of meaning and purpose. Having a reason to get out of bed in the morning contributes to longevity, better mental health, and an enriched life.
Living a values-led, purpose-driven life means designing work that aligns with personal values, passions, and strengths. It means crafting a sustainable livelihood that integrates well-being, fulfilment, and financial independence.
The Academy of Life Planning Approach
At the Academy of Life Planning, we don’t believe people should have to pay for expensive advice to figure this out. We don’t seek to create dependency—we seek to empower people. We call it financial activation—providing affordable tools and support so that 90% of people can be their own financial planners 90% of the time. And when times of stress or transition arise, we offer one-to-one support on a ‘done for you’ basis.
If you want to change your life for the better, your best life still awaits—even when health challenges prevail. Let’s unlock the possibilities together.
The British Reality: Millions on Benefits with No Work Requirement
Right now, in Britain, more than three million people are claiming benefits without any obligation to seek work. That’s twice as many as those who are claiming while actively looking for employment. Over the last three years, the number of people on Universal Credit with no work requirements has doubled, now standing at 3.1 million, while those actively searching for jobs remain stable at 1.6 million.
Government figures highlight that many individuals feel trapped in a system that provides no support, no opportunities, and no real pathway to financial independence. The reality is stark: half of all new incapacity benefit claims are from people deemed unfit for any work, up 50% in five years. And once someone enters this category, very few leave it. Just 1% of people who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness find work within six months, compared to 33% of those actively job-seeking.
But what if we could turn this around? What if we could provide a roadmap for people to reclaim their autonomy, find meaningful work, and thrive despite health challenges? That’s exactly where the GAME Plan from the Academy of Life Planning comes in.
The GAME Plan: A Path to Independence and Purpose
The GAME Plan—standing for Goals, Actions, Means, and Execution—is designed to help individuals take control of their future by following a structured and achievable framework. Instead of waiting for government reforms or worrying about benefit cuts, individuals can proactively design a sustainable livelihood that suits their unique circumstances. Here’s how:
- Goals: Identify what you want to achieve—whether it’s financial independence, flexible work, or a purpose-driven life.
- Actions: Pinpoint the steps needed to leverage your skills, passions, and experience.
- Means: Assess available resources, including online platforms, remote work opportunities, and support networks.
- Execution: Put everything into motion with guided support, tools, and mentorship.
Rather than seeing work as a burden, the GAME Plan encourages a mindset shift: from being dependent on benefits to embracing economic empowerment. It’s about replacing a sense of limitation with a vision of opportunity.
The Solution People Deserve
Many of those currently classified as unable to work want to contribute, but fear losing financial security. The Academy provides a safety net of guidance and support, helping individuals transition at their own pace. Instead of being forced into rigid, unsuitable jobs, people can craft careers that respect their abilities, allowing them to live longer, better, and wealthier lives in every sense.
The GAME Plan is more than a financial strategy—it’s a lifeline to personal empowerment. By removing barriers and creating real pathways to economic activity, we can help individuals move from dependence to purpose-driven success.
If you’re ready to rewrite your story, the Academy of Life Planning is here to guide you. Your best life is waiting, and with the right plan, anything is possible.
Understanding How a Side Hustle Affects Your Benefits & Accessing Financial Support
In today’s world, many people are looking for ways to supplement their income with a side hustle. Whether it’s freelancing, selling handmade products, or offering online services, a side hustle can provide extra financial security and independence. However, if you’re receiving benefits, it’s important to understand how earning additional income might impact your entitlements.
Checking the Impact of a Side Hustle on Your Benefits
Before starting a side hustle, it’s essential to check how it might affect your current benefits. Some key considerations include:
- Universal Credit: If you’re on Universal Credit, your payments may be adjusted based on additional earnings. The system has a “work allowance,” meaning you can earn a certain amount before your benefits are reduced. After this threshold, your Universal Credit will decrease gradually rather than stopping altogether.
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): You may be able to do some “permitted work” while receiving ESA, provided you meet specific conditions, such as working fewer than 16 hours per week and earning below a certain amount.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP): This benefit is not means-tested, so a side hustle won’t affect your entitlement. However, changes in your condition that impact your ability to work should be reported.
- Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support: Additional earnings may impact these benefits, depending on your income and local authority regulations.
To get a clearer picture of how your earnings might affect your benefits, using the Turn2us Benefits Calculator is a great place to start. It’s free, easy to use, and can help you understand what support you’re entitled to.
Exploring Grants and Funding Options
If financial insecurity is holding you back from starting a side hustle, there are grants and funding options available to help you get started.
Turn2us Grants Search
Turn2us is a national charity dedicated to ending financial insecurity in the UK. They provide a Grants Search Tool to help individuals find financial support tailored to their situation. This can include:
- Emergency hardship grants
- Business startup grants for those looking to become self-employed
- Local community funding options
Other Funding Options to Consider:
- New Enterprise Allowance (NEA): A government-backed scheme that provides mentoring and financial support for individuals on Universal Credit or other benefits who want to start their own business.
- Local Council and Charity Grants: Many local councils and charities offer financial assistance for people looking to upskill or start a small business.
- Crowdfunding and Peer-to-Peer Lending: Platforms like GoFundMe or Kiva allow individuals to raise startup funds for business ideas.
Taking Control of Your Financial Future
Starting a side hustle while on benefits can feel overwhelming, but with the right information and support, it’s absolutely possible. The key is planning wisely, understanding the rules, and accessing the right resources to support your journey.
At the Academy of Life Planning, we empower individuals to take control of their financial future through informed decision-making. Whether you’re looking to increase financial security, create a sustainable livelihood, or build a values-led business, we’re here to help.
Your next step? Check your entitlements and explore funding opportunities. The right support could make all the difference in helping you thrive financially while maintaining your benefits.
Find out more by visiting Turn2us and using their free Benefits Calculator and Grants Search Tool today!
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