Applying for Disability Working Tax Credits

Dear All, I am in the support group for the next two years with mental health issues (depression/anxiety). I have been in it for two years (thanks to your guides).

However, I am considering making the leap into the workforce as self-employed (I think I will go truly insane if I stay in the support group much longer) the isolation is desperate and mental health provision limited. I have the following questions to ask:

(1) I have looked into this in some depth and it appears you have to make the decision and then hope the DWP & Tax office say it's OK and get the Disability Working Tax Credits. Now this is terrifying as I don't know if I'm able to become self employed until I do it. Is there a way you can try doing this and then go back onto the same benefit (support group) without being reassessed? My doctor will fully support my application stating this condition will be ongoing, that my condition puts me at a disadvantage getting a job and by being in the support group for as long as I have been entitles me to apply for the benefit; thus I hit all the criteria I have found out so far. Still bloody scared stiff that the DWP or Tax office are going to shaft me to put it bluntly.

(2) any advice at all at what I am considering doing?

Thanks, Tinkerty Tonk

Just wanted to mention tax credits have an online chat if you go to their website and also a calculator telling you how much you might get. It may be universal credit for new claims on your area so might be something you want to check out as well. I understand the universal credits are taking over from tax credits and unsure if these will also have the disability working premium, although there may be some kind of transitional protection. It's a lot to think about, I'm in a similar position.