Contributions Based JSA - Am I Allowed To Earn Any Money On The Side?

cupboardie

Hi all,

I tried phoning DWP with this query but keep getting transferred around, maybe someone here can give me some advice?

I lost my job two months ago, it was very tough - depression, insomnia, drinking etc. I have no friends, no reason to get out of bed, I was spiralling. Then I discovered mystery shopping and it's really helped me to be out in the world and have something going on in my life besides applying for jobs and watching TV.

I thought because the vast majority of the payments I receive are reimbursing me for purchases that I didn't have to declare it, but I've applied for financial help for my employment tribunal and they're asking what these credits are on my bank statement so I'm now 'on the grid' so to speak.

Is it true that contributions based isn't means tested and therefore I won't get deducted for under 16 hours a week work? Am I in trouble? If I have to declare the MS income how do I do it?

Please help!! Thank you.

scubaangel

MS income has to be declared as Self Employed work, there's a long running thread on the Up Your Income board with all the information about it in the first few posts.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4734623

rogerblack

cupboardie wrote: »

as very tough - depression, insomnia, drinking etc.

In principle, if your condition entitles you to ESA - you could do this as permitted work, without affecting your benefit.
This is _NOT_ the case with JSA - as others have mentioned.
After a small allowance (5 pounds?) it comes off JSA pound-for-pound.