ESA Permitted Work

jasonbudd1984

Hi

I have been on ESA several years now (presently on income related, and in the support group).

I am confused by the rules around permitted work, I know the limits in terms of hours and income and that I need to tell the DWP about it.

However, seeing as my ESA is income related, does any amount I earn reduce the ESA I receive the equivalent amount? Essentially meaning the income amount is the same, just being arrived at in a different way?

I realise that it might make for a conservation about going back into the WRAG group if I am able to do the permitted work for a bit.

Really confused by the rules and obviously has a serious implication to considering whether I can attempt to do the permitted work at all, so would be grateful for any advice or help.

K80_Black

You still get your full ESA entitlement, as long as the work you do isn't more than 16 hours/£125.50. You're correct that it may affect your ESA claim - including them changing which group you're in, or saying you're not entitled to it at all anymore.

I find The Disability Rights UK fact sheet easy to understand - although it's quite long!

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/work-people-living-disability-or-health-conditions


Here's the relevant bit:

You can earn up to £125.50 a week, after tax and national insurance deductions. The work must be for less than 16 hours a week. The earnings limit is normally increased each October. If you get ESA, incapacity benefit, SDA or national insurance credits because of incapacity for work, your benefit will not be affected.

jasonbudd1984

That is really helpful thanks.

Being moved to the WRAG group if I can sustain the work is fair enough. However, my condition is really variable and the circumstances in which I would be doing this permitted work for a particular employer are rather unique to make it happen at all.

Any suggestions on how I can protect my entitlement to ESA if I do proceed? Does feel a bit of trap...

K80_Black

Sorry, I've never been able to work while claiming ESA - though as long as you're not doing anything that contradicts your reason for being on ESA, you should have no problem.

bspm1

jasonbudd1984 wrote: »

That is really helpful thanks.

Being moved to the WRAG group if I can sustain the work is fair enough. However, my condition is really variable and the circumstances in which I would be doing this permitted work for a particular employer are rather unique to make it happen at all.

Any suggestions on how I can protect my entitlement to ESA if I do proceed? Does feel a bit of trap...

There are a few very knowledgeable posters on here who I am sure will read your post eventually and offer advice.

My limited input is that I believe you have to contact the DWP to get permission to do permitted work, it isn't just a case of getting a job and working under 16 hours.

I also believe that there is some rule regarding your earning limits only being £20 per week, but as I said I don't know enough.

Someone will comment soon with the right advice I am sure but in the meantime good luck with everything.

poppy12345

K80_Black wrote: »

Think you replied to the wrong thread

Thanks, i did. I removed my comment.

poppy12345

bspm1 wrote: »

I also believe that there is some rule regarding your earning limits only being £20 per week, but as I said I don't know enough.

That's not correct. As shown in the link in post #2 it's £125.50 per week. £20 per week is for the partner that works, if claiming as a couple.

TELLIT01

poppy12345 wrote: »

That's not correct. As shown in the link in post #2 it's £125.50 per week. £20 per week is for the partner that works, if claiming as a couple.

I'm aware that there have been changes in the rules around PW but I'm almost certain there was one variant of the system which did only allow earnings of £20 per week. That was a few years ago.
It's also important that anybody planning to look for Permitted Work realises that they have to work less than 16 hours per week on average. Many people see "16 hours" and assume that is how many hours they can work.

bspm1

poppy12345 wrote: »

That's not correct. As shown in the link in post #2 it's £125.50 per week. £20 per week is for the partner that works, if claiming as a couple.

I knew I had seen £20 somewhere, like I said I didn't know enough but knew other posters would.

So many different rules, seems there is a difference in how much you can earn whether you are doing permited work lower limited or permitted work higher limit.

poppy12345

bspm1 wrote: »

I knew I had seen £20 somewhere, like I said I didn't know enough but knew other posters would.

So many different rules, seems there is a difference in how much you can earn whether you are doing permited work lower limited or permitted work higher limit.

The lower earnings limit isn't for the claimant, it's for the partner on a joint claim only.

bspm1

poppy12345 wrote: »

The lower earnings limit isn't for the claimant, it's for the partner on a joint claim only.

All I can say is I am so glad I don't claim Income based Benefits! Minefield.

:j