I suspect most sex work projects won't have much experience of dealing with HMRC - they've historically catered mostly to those doing street/survival sex work. I have no experience of UC but HMRC have always been very helpful on the phone when I've contacted them directly?

The Citizens Advice Bureau would be worth a try while you look, too - they'll know more about the benefits stuff? Is there a sex work specific legal problem you need to find out about (because specialist knowledge of that is going to be the hard part)?

Well the only time I've ever (unsuccessfully) tried to get UC was at the start of the covid restrictions; it wouldn't have occurred to me not to tell them my job as it made it even more obvious that I couldn't work and had no income.

As far as I know though, it's the amount of money you have coming in that matters and not what your job is (and I think as a self employed person the number of hours you work per week isn't relevant either)? My worry would be that if they find you you lied about the job, they might think you lied about your earnings as well but you have proper documents and an accountant to back that up

I agree that a sex work project with knowledge of this would be ideal, but yes, finding one is going to be hit and miss. Somebody here might have an idea (including one of our project worker members).

Hi, not sure if you're based in London but the next SWARM Collective's suppers event on 4th May will include an accountant from a firm that provides services for sex workers who will be able to offer free general advice and support about HMRC & self assessment. Get in touch with SWARM and they can give you all the details!
In terms of UC/DWP, NUM may be able to advise or signpost.