ESA & DLA and wanting to work as a musician

superwoman4

bigboybrother wrote: »

Hello everyone,

I can't find anything anywhere on the web that gives me an answer to my problem.

OK, I claim ESA for both physical and mental conditions. I have just had a re-assessment without going for a medical and have been told that my Support Group status is continue.

I also have DLA high mobility & mid care for the same conditions and the difficulties and needs that I have.

Now I am bored with just sitting around doing nothing at home, been like this for the past 4 years.

Many years ago I used to be a semi pro musician, mainly working in cabaret clubs backing well known artistes. I have toured twice in Europe and back in the late 60's we had a No1 record.

I gave up music as it did not provide a steady reasonable income for my new family. Now it's just the two of us again, the old band minus one (who now lives in Eire after winning the Euro millions!!) wants to get back together on a semi permanent basis.

I am more than capable of playing again (thankfully I have a stool (throne) to sit on) as none of my problems or needs are related.

My wife is a little frightened that if I am seen back on stage (certainly in the local area) problems might arise with the DWP.

How do I convince the DWP, both for ESA & DLA that playing in a band on stage does not in any way affect why I am claiming ESA and DLA? I would sooner they give me a piece of paper to prove to anyone that asks that the DWP are allowing me to do this work.

Obviously money will be involved but we can lose that in buying new equipment etc.

Welcome back helentay / Andy !!

SingleSue

As the mum of a drummer, drumming is a very physical activity, especially when covering the likes of ACDC with the use of the single or even double pedal!

If you had been say a guitarist, then maybe it would be different but drumming is the most physical aspect of a band (unless you are a singer running around like a headless chicken!), not only in the actual playing but also the setting up and lugging around of the kit.

Your bit about the music taking you to another dimension I can understand. My son has Aspergers (he doesn't receive DLA or any other benefit) and it is the same for him. Music is his release, his way of becoming someone else, his way of being 'normal'. It has also been the thing which has calmed his behaviour down, going from a child who had very violent and aggressive behaviour to one who is seen as a gentle giant with the occasional blow up (normally when he is prevented from playing/listening to/talking about music - either by someone else or by situation)

But playing fast paced drums and claiming HRM? Hmm, not sure the two are compatible.

guilds

bigboybrother wrote: »

Many years ago I used to be a semi pro musician, mainly working in cabaret clubs backing well known artistes. I have toured twice in Europe and back in the late 60's we had a No1 record.


Obviously money will be involved but we can lose that in buying new equipment etc.

Right against my better judgement I will scratch this itch. Do you use a digital relay compressor with your EDM?
do you mic your acoustic drums for live shows? if so How? when you recorded with them for your No1 could you explain the set up? and what type of mics you used back in the sixties, this is a genuine question as I have only been a Session Musician for just over 30yrs and I am very interested in the old school recording process.

Neelienew

guilds wrote: »

Right against my better judgement I will scratch this itch. Do you use a digital relay compressor with your EDM?
do you mic your drums for live shows?

I just wonder if he was a member of the Bonzo dog doo dahband !

Bamber19

Well as there were only 5 bands with a number 1 single for 2 weeks in '68 and 4 (The Beatles, Manfred Mann, Tommy James and the Shondells and The Rolling Stones) all had more than 1 number 1 in their careers so it can only be "Love Affair"

Bigboybrother is 62, the drummer from Love Affair is... 61

superwoman4

Bamber19 wrote: »

Well as there were only 5 bands with a number 1 single for 2 weeks in '68 and 4 (The Beatles, Manfred Mann, Tommy James and the Shondells and The Rolling Stones) all had more than 1 number 1 in their careers so it can only be "Love Affair"

Bigboybrother is 62, the drummer from Love Affair is... 61

Love Affair :T

guilds

Bamber19 wrote: »

Well as there were only 5 bands with a number 1 single for 2 weeks in '68 and 4 (The Beatles, Manfred Mann, Tommy James and the Shondells and The Rolling Stones) all had more than 1 number 1 in their careers so it can only be "Love Affair"

Bigboybrother is 62, the drummer from Love Affair is... 61

Oh dear outed as a pinocchio Andy, Helen Bigfibber sorry BigboyBrother whoever:D

GlynD

You don't have to register as self employed to play in a band or as a solo musician. You just need to submit a tax return which includes your Schedule D earnings. You may or may not have to pay tax depending upon if what you earn exceeds your tax free allowance.

Now will it affect your DLA.

With ESA there is a means test. If you earn any money at all then you need to declare it on a weekly basis to the ESA department and it is very likely going to cost you a reduction to your ESA, if not the total loss of it.

Think very carefully because if your ESA is income based there are many more benefits such as free dental care and eyeglasses you will lose too.

ILW

GlynD wrote: »

You don't have to register as self employed to play in a band or as a solo musician. You just need to submit a tax return which includes your Schedule D earnings. You may or may not have to pay tax depending upon if what you earn exceeds your tax free allowance.

Now will it affect your DLA.

With ESA there is a means test. If you earn any money at all then you need to declare it on a weekly basis to the ESA department and it is very likely going to cost you a reduction to your ESA, if not the total loss of it.

Think very carefully because if your ESA is income based there are many more benefits such as free dental care and eyeglasses you will lose too.

The chances of making any return are virtually zero. Registering for tax can probably wait.

GlynD

ILW wrote: »

The chances of making any return are virtually zero. Registering for tax can probably wait.

There's no need to register for tax. All you need to do is fill in a return which includes any earnings - after the fact.

It's the ESA which would present the bigger problem.