I did this, we needed the money cash flow wise, my payments did reduce/ disappear when I did go back to work and let them know and I did have to pay back about 1000 in the end, I was fine with that and had expected it so made sure when I did start earning again we saved so would have money to pay it back. When I spoke originally to clink on phone they gave same advice as to you, but we needed the money before I started back at work (I am main earner) and getting no money due to possibility I would earn in second half of year seemed silly to me - I didnt have a job to go back to as had been made redundant so in theory I might not have made any money that tax year.