On ESA But Want to Work from Home

Kipepeo

I've posted a similar thread on this forum before but I think it was in the wrong section.

I'm on ESA for severe anxiety issues and have been placed in the WRAG. I've missed my appointment several times because I've had panic attacks which stopped me going. Even the thought of going makes me extremely anxious in the days/weeks before my appointments.

Anyway, what this thread is really about is that I want to work from home. I've had this idea for a small 'business' for a few years but I've never had the money to start it. So I've worked out I need to get a small bank loan.

But obviously I won't make much money for a while, so would I be able to claim something during this time, instead of ESA?

[Deleted User]

i think you need to worry about the benefits after you get the bank loan as that will be very difficult

rogerblack

I disagree, you need to work out the possible effects on benefits first, and work this out as part of your financial plan.

On ESA - you can do 'permitted work'. You _ALWAYS_ need to contact them first to set this up.
It is possible to earn up to 95 pounds a week, working up to 16 hours (after certain allowable expenses) for one year, without it directly affecting your benefits.

It is technically also possible to earn 20 pounds a week, with no time limit, and hence be entitled to working tax credits.
This may be questioned by the tax credits people, as 20/16 = 1.50/hour, well, well below the minimum wage.

(In both these cases, you need to agree this first with ESA, as work done outside the permitted work scheme may not be exempt, and may lead to consequences up to and including prosecution for benefit fraud)

If you were to come off ESA, you may be entitled to working tax credit at only 16 hours, due to disability.

Other benefits you are receiving may be affected by your income.
If the work you are doing is incompatible with your claim for ESA (you claim to be unable to see, and work as a driving instructor, for example), it may affect your claim to ESA.

p999j

Advice well worth considering above.

I am in a very similar situation considering business options. Not for anxiety but for my very restrictive needs to be near a toilet.
(Brief thought you may have helped me with;if I changed the wording to 'anxiety' is may prove easier for me to explain and others to not feel uncomfomfortable but then it may not deliver the necessary 'loo within running distance' when I need it. And 'mental illness' whether I like it or not, and I don't, still bears a stigma which my disobedient bowel has not yet been professionally associated with.)

Firstly, so constructive of you to be thinking of what you can do within your capacities.

Secondly, financial does dictate, one way or another. But get a great support network. Through either a professional organisation, Insititute, local club. Something, that can all you and others to integrate to address issues. Believe me- even if you consider yourself capable of everything at this stage, at some stage you will need advice, support, relativity, perspective, etc etc etc...any business needs the support of people. Not always financial (But that sure helps). Give just a few minutes thought to the type of help that you might be able to give to others that is not financial....then think if there may be others who could help you in that way. The person with moral support. The person with a connection. The person who can can simply listen to help you come to an educated decision. The person who can be with you to take your brain 100% of work for a while to have a laugh and feel balanced again......we all have our uses!

Business is not about money. That is the measurable focus and gauge used for success or failure by the majority. Business is about how you relate to others. Be charismatic. Live your life with balance-your qualification of balance, work, play, rest.

I wish you well.