New to benefits. PIP and voluntary work question

Angelina-M

Hi all.

My son who is autistic and a paranoid schizophrenic has recently started claiming PIP. (He wasn't on benefits before that and spent a considerable time in mental health units)

He is now stable and we are looking at what we can do to fill our days (i'm his constant carer) He is interested in doing a bit of dog walking for our local rescue centre as he is at peace around animals but we are unsure if this will affect his benefit? He will not be getting paid or any expenses. I will drive him there and stay with him.

I'm finding it difficult and confusing to find any solid information on the internet about whether its legal to do this. He is getting PIP for mental illness not mobility. We want to go tomorrow but its causing my son anxiety in case he gets into trouble. Can anyone point me to documentation to confirm if we are ok?

Thank you.

Indie_Kid

PIP is paid to someone who has care and /or mobility needs. As long as the dog walking doesn't contradict why he claims PIP, he should be fine.

Angelina-M

Thank you. He has no mobility issues at all and we told this at interview and they agreed with us. I need to show him the wording as he is anxious. I spoke to our nurse but she couldn't help and will need a few days to find out... no good when you are anxious and need an answer.

Buddylove

I have just starting doing volunteering and income support have supported me in this as I'm not being paid. Generally if it is for a charity, is a volunteering role that would not normally be paid for as a job and is under 16 hours they should be fine. I used to be a very experienced teacher, and due to a horrendous change in family circumstances had to leave where I lived and my job very quickly with a young family, so I couldn't for example do volunteer supply work as that would normally be a role that would be paid for. I requested an appointment at my local job centre to ensure it would not affect my benefits and my advisor was incredibly helpful. We filled in the form together and I had the news last week that they are happy for me to do this role. I think the people who are decision makers in this appreciate when something is beneficial to the person and will enhance their lives and others. It's only if you are taking the "Michael" that they would be concerned.

Hope this helps...

Indie_Kid

The 16 hours don't apply if you claim PIP.

Angelina-M

Thanks guys.
It would be a sad state of affairs if people weren't able to do charity work. My son's psychiatric team think its a great idea for him to start socialising and it is written in his care plan so the benefits people have a copy of this and never commented.
He is worried about being arrested and sent to prison. I could ring the benefits people tomorrow but he needs to see it in writing. All good fun eh..
Thanks again, its appreciated.

pmlindyloo

PIP is a non means tested benefit and is given for care/mobility needs .

You can work and claim PIP. You can be a millionaire and claim PIP.

Google PIP and you will see that it is not means tested and that you can work whilst on it.

Is your son claiming any other benefit?

pmlindyloo

If your son is on ESA then you should let the Job Centre know that he is volunteering.

Angelina-M

Thank you.

Actually he is on another benefit but I don't know its name as all this was sorted out by a case worker whilst he was still in hospital. I will look into that. Its a nightmare having to consider all this extra stuff. I never even gave it a thought until my sons paranoia kicked in.

Thanks again.