Selling possesions on Ebay and ESA

thinkstoomuch

Hi, I'm currently on ESA for serious/chronic depression. Need some advice as don't want to inadvertently risk my benefit.

I got into collecting small knickknacks linked to a childhood hobby off ebay just for my own satisfaction- when I was really ill it was the only thing that I could get even a little bit interested me (I don't drink or smoke, I was living with parents, it was mentally helpful for me and a possible investment for the future). I sold them off about a year ago because I realised it was out of boredom and I should keep the money in my account.

Now, a year or so on, I've ended up with a related collection (again out of boredom). Some have been lucky buys where they are worth way more than I spent. My intention again has been to keep them for a couple of years especially wanting to get back into work and be able to buy some of the rarer items.

A change of circumstances at home in the past couple of months means that the money I could gather by 'liquidating' my collection would really help. However, I don't want to cause any problems with my ESA nor HMRC and what constitutes a business and want to stay the right side of the law.

Although they're my possessions and my intention at purchasing wasn't to resell for a few years- as with any antique buyer who likes an item, I don't think it's as clear a picture this time round. I won't sell the items if I'm on dodgy ground. It's just the money would be helpful if I could sell. Does anyone know where i stand? Is there a minimum amount of time I need to hold onto something for it to be 'mine' as opposed to an item of stock?

Pippin12

I think it depends on how many objects you're selling, their value etc etc. Without this information I don't think people will really know. For example if you had ten different items for sale at £5 each I don't think there would be any problem. A hundred items at £50 each would be a different story however.

galante_inc

Hi

If they are personal possessions, its really nothing to do with the DWP at all... but on the flip side, if you was spend say £50 of your ESA at car boots, charity shops and turning into hundreds of pounds, then that's the different story as its called working/making a living

rogerblack

thinkstoomuch wrote: »

Is there a minimum amount of time I need to hold onto something for it to be 'mine' as opposed to an item of stock?

In short - no.
Personal possessions is not defined in the regulations or the decision-makers guidance. It depends on the decisionmaker you get.

If I was asked to make the decision as the DM - the fact they were always intended to be sold for a profit would be a very, very strong factor in them never having been personal possessions.

thinkstoomuch

Thanks very much everyone.

They're old Scout pin badges. Most would sell for between £1-5, one I found the other week was £5 but I know it's worth over £100. The sad knowledge I've built up means I've found quite a few rarer ones say for 99p that know one else has noticed.

That's made it clearer. I see now how its different to selling 'stuff' like an old gameboy I hadn't used in years or old dvds.

I'll hang on to them. At least they don't take up much room. And when I'm finally back in work I can sell them with any HMRC related stuff taken care of and put it towards something I'll undoubtedly need like a car.

Thanks again!