Volunteering and ESA

thinkstoomuch

I'm on ESA. I already do 5-6 hours a week volunteering a week with one organisation which the DWP knows about.

I've started doing another 2 hours a week unpaid work with the NHS. I've phoned the DWP to let them know and they've sent me out the PW1 form for permitted work. Only, this form is all about paid work, not volunteering. Should I still fill it in? Is there a form for volunteering? Thanks.

TELLIT01

There is a separate form for volunteering. Sorry I can't remember what the reference number for it is. I'm sure epitome will be along soon with that info. :-)

IAmWales

What kind of work are you doing? Unpaid work is not the same as voluntary work, which is why you've been sent the form.

epitome

I suggest, you phone back and ask for this form VOL1 or VOLWORK1
Fill in both PW1 and VOL1 forms as best you can. Put a covering letter to explain the situation as to why you have returned both forms.... Then they will have all they need to make a decision.

Or ask the NHS is it "Voluntary work" (VOL1 form) or "unpaid work"(PW1 form), see what they say and act accordingly.
Just put £0.00 on the PW1.

See this leaflet: particularly page 11.
http://www.volunteernow.co.uk/fs/doc/publications/volunteer-and-keep-your-benefits-dsd.pdf

What if I choose not to get paid for my work?
Choosing not to be paid is not the same as
volunteering. If you are doing something that
someone would normally be paid for this will be
classed as unpaid work and not volunteering. For
example, if you are working in business or for a
member of your family and they would usually pay
someone to do the work.

TELLIT01

If you choose not to be paid, and are taking a job for which somebody normally would be paid, you will be assumed to be receiving the income and that figure will be deducted from your benefit payment.

benidorm59

On ESA its Voluntary work or permitted work it has to be one or the other. No part time jobs with income taken into account either notional earning or paid for the customer

thinkstoomuch

Ah, thanks everyone. It's voluntary work helping with an small art group. The other art leaders in the locality doing similar are volunteers. But I'm getting a level of supervision/support like it was permitted work. I'll ask for the other form and do them both as advised.

Cheers!