Volunteering and impact on benefits

dodo69

My twenty something registered disabled daughter has the chance to volunteer as part of admin in a local charity. She would like to work about 16 hours a week in a voluntary capacity - will this impact on the benefits she gets? Thanks

McKneff

Why not telephone the DWP and get it from the horses mouth so to speak.

I know that DLA is not affected but not sure about anything else.

There is a phrase around that is 'permitted work' but I dont know the rules.

And good for her for wanting to get up and on with it.

HB58

I do agree that it is best to get any advice and decion from this directly from DWP. In writing if possible. That way you have some proof if things should go pear shaped in future.

I'm sorry, I know that sounds terriubly negative! I haven't been in contact with DWP until recently, but I am quickly learning to expect things to go wrong - anything better is a bonus.

redbicycle

Generally volunteering of that sort is ok, with ESA. I don't think you even need to tell them. The permitted work guidelines are here:http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171909

With JSA you may need to be more careful, because you need to tell Jobcentre Plus before you start, and they need to be convinced that it is not something that would normally be a paid job (you're not choosing not to be paid), you're not getting more than expenses, and that it doesn't compromise you being available for work. If these are all met, the number of hours permitted are not restricted.

HB58

" it is not something that would normally be a paid job (you're not choosing not to be paid), you're not getting more than expenses"

I believe that also applies to ESA.