AQA - Some advise please?

Kathy220559

Hi Everyone

I need some advice again...sorry.

I applied for AQA on Thursday...did the test and received an email yesterday to say I had been offered a position...yeah, so pleased.

I also received a contract which says I will be self-employed and liable for tax, NI contributions etc.

The problem is I am on long-term sick and claiming Incapacity Benefit for clinical depression and chronic fatigue. This means that some days I am not too bad and love to spend time on my PC. Others I barely can manage to crawl out of bed. This is why AQA would be perfect for me.

BUT, I cannot afford to lose my benefit as to me this would just a be an enjoyable 'hobby' and the money would be hit and miss so to speak.

I know I need to call the benefits office on Monday and ask if it is possible to do this. The problem is I don't know what to say to them as I know I can do this, but that is not saying I can go out to work, which I know I am totally incapable of. In fact, going out at all for me is virtually impossible.

Anyone got any ideas if I can still do AQA...I really really want to and also what I should be saying to the Benefits people

Cheers
Kathy

tigtag02

Hi Kathy

I think that it will most definitely effect your benefits. If you are being renumerated (which you will be) then it is paid employment regardless of whether you are out and working or at home and working.

Having said that, call them up on Monday and ask their advice - I *think* that you are allowed to work so many hours before your benefit is affected (though I am not sure) - someone on the benefit board may be able to help further with that. There is also DLA which I beleive is not means tested.

HTH
tigtag

Burlesque_Babe

Hi - AQA is classed as self-employed work, athough I don't know how it will affect your benefits.

Kathy220559

Thanks for your help. I will give them a call on Monday...I just hope they don't get the impression that I am fit enough to go 'out' to work. I am scared to death that they will stop my benefit

Soubrette

Hi Kathy

Here's a link I've found regarding incapacity benefit and permitted work.

[url] http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10020667[/url]

It doesn't answer your question directly but it does say you are allowed to do some types of permitted (but unfortunately this is undefined) work. So it looks like you will still have to phone and check.

Sou

tigtag02

Kathy220559 wrote: »

Thanks for your help. I will give them a call on Monday...I just hope they don't get the impression that I am fit enough to go 'out' to work. I am scared to death that they will stop my benefit

Gosh honey!!

You stick to your guns and explain exactly what type of work it is - I'm sure they will understand - good luck :)

moneymaker2

I also applied on Thursday but I've not heard anything yet. Wasn't holding out much hope anyway.

Kathy220559

sourbrette...I checked the website and it is a bit ambiguous...I'll have to bite the bullet and call them I guess.

tigtag02...I am going to...I really want to do this...it doesn't seem to me that sitting here 'surfing' or answering questions is much difference..but we shall see I suppose. Its not like I am going to be earning a fortune just a little extra spends. I could probably get more babysitting!

moneymaker2...don't give up hope. I didn't think I had a chance either as it said a degree was necessary and the most I have is GCEs. They said there was a lot of applicants and someone told me that the selectors don't work weekends so you could still be in with a chance. Reading the other AQA thread I got the impression that they let you know either way.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

tigtag02

kathy - I'm sure that they wont take it as you being able to actually go OUT and work - there is a HUGE difference and I actually think kudos to you :)

The b-uggers (AQA) knocked me back :rolleyes: