ESA & Self-Employed Query

Keedie

Hi All,

I'm currently in the assessment phase of contribution based ESA since March 2017. My finances are dire, and so I have been looking for work, but I have not found anything suitable that can take into account my medical needs and childcare responsibilities etc. I am not really ready to work, but my financial situation dictates that I at least try.

I think my best approach moving forward, would be to freelance doing virtual admin and specialise in HR (my employment background). I called the ESA helpline and they said that I would be able to do 'permitted work' and keep my ESA if I am working less than 16 hours per week/earning less than £120 per week. I will be a sole trader, as limited company looked very scary.So I was just wondering:

1) Has anyone tried permitted work? And do I have to provide proof of my hours worked, although I would not receive payment until I invoice (my future potential) client/s?

2) Do I need to change my doctor's certificate as it currently states that I cannot work? I am anxious in case I cannot maintain working, but figured this would be the easiest way to try as I will be working from home.

3) Is there a limit to how long I can do permitted work for? (I will hopefully be in a position to physically do more than 16 hours or earn more than £120 in the near future)

Thanks in advance for any possible help/advice.

Keedie,
xx

epitome

1. You will need to provide proof, accounts showing income and expenses.

2. You do not need to change your med certs, the medcerts can either say not fit for work, or may be able to work, either one is fine for ESA and they will not ask you to chnage what they say whichever one it says...they won't care as long as you do have a cert.

3. You can do permitted work as long as you like now, actually as you started in March I'm not sure if old rules apply to your claim, old rules state that you can only do PW for up to 1 year.

Keedie

Thanks for responding epitome.

I started ESA on 29th March 2017, so I don't know if that is old or new rules?

pmlindyloo

Anyone who starts Permitted Work after April 2017 and anyone who was doing Permitted Work before that time can do it for an unlimited time in either group of ESA.

So you can do it for an unlimited time.

3. Changes to ESA permitted work rules
The 52 week time limit for permitted work that applies to ESA WRAG claimants and claimants who get the assessment rate will be removed. This includes claimants who are already doing permitted work. This means, from 3 April 2017 claimants can:
work for less than 16 hours a week
earn up to £120 each week after tax (2017 rates)
do permitted work for an unlimited number of weeks while getting ESA and keep all of their ESA payments
Claimants must tell Jobcentre Plus straightaway if they are doing or are thinking about doing any work.

Keedie

Thank you very much pmlindyloo.

I called the JCP and they're the ones that mentioned permitted work, but the woman wasn't really able to say much about about being a sole trader. I think I need to go to see my work coach and see how they actually want the information with my accounts, as sometimes they can be really iffy.

When I was on JSA I did a part time job for 12 hours a week, showed them all my payslips then they called me into a meeting a few months later and accused me of benefit fraud :mad:, as they had evidence that I had worked whilst claiming JSA. Although I didn't even receive payment from JSA at the time, because my part time earnings was higher. Needless to say, I am now wary of doing permitted work, although I know it's necessary. Especially as my hours will fluctuate and I don't know what, if anything I will get from week to week unless I can find a frequent client...