Trying to get off ESA but system and situtation makes it so difficult.

diaboliquesaint

Hi all,
I have been reading so much but I think I'm more confused than I was before.
I have been on ESA for a few months due to a long term mental health problem that I finally decided to try and overcome. I hate being on it and want to slowly get back into society and perhaps have a part time job. Just to explain, I have agoraphobia, it got to the point where it was difficult to even leave the house but I am going through counselling and getting so much better.
Anyway, I have a partner and a young baby. We receive ESA, child tax credits, child benefit and housing benefit. I was considering looking for a non stressful job working approx 16 hours per week. I know we would lose ESA but we would then receive working tax credits? The problem is we don't really want to move but are living in a flat and the housing benefit is paying the full £550 per month. It isn't worth that but the owner is obviously being very clever by asking for the full amount that housing benefit pays.
Would we still get any housing benefit if I had a job? If we lose that and the ESA or JSA then I just don't see the point in getting a job at all, making it so much more difficult to get out of this rut.
I have considered voluntary work but I would have to sign off ESA because they would deem me able to work, even though a little voluntary work to start off with would be so much less stressful.
I hope someone can fathom something out from all that. We're so very confused and it seems like the system is making it difficult for people like me to get back into work at all.
Thanks for reading

leemack

You can do voluntary work and be on esa as long as you are not doing something that you have said you're not capable of doing. You just need to inform the DWP of what you are doing, you can also do a little paid work as a trial to see if you're ready. Have a look at the website:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/esa/DG_171909

NASA_2

Well, Permitted work isnt exactly voluntary work, its paid employment to help people get into work longer term.

christine_chris_chrissy

good on you, it is very difficult, I have had similar probs remember this there is always someone worse off than you its good you are making the effort let us know how you get on :beer:
if you have problems with benefits or any thing just post here get the help you need.

leemack

NASA wrote: »

Well, Permitted work isnt exactly voluntary work, its paid employment to help people get into work longer term.

I didn't say permitted work was voluntary work, I was suggesting permitted work as an alternative option to voluntary work!

diaboliquesaint

Thanks for the replies already.
I had no idea about the permitted work. I will contact the benefits people tomorrow just to make sure I am ok to do that. I know my doctor and counsellor would happily back me up for it so that should help.
I presume you don't have to mention you are on esa when you are applying for a job? It seems to say that I suppose.

thanks again

Blackpool_Saver

sending many hugs, it's very hard, I hope you can lean on your husband, is he understanding?