Volunteering And ESA

venomx

I claim ESA and do a couple of hours of volunteer each week.
Taking meds for mental health and have a psychiatrist.


Do I have to inform the DWP even if im doing a tiny bit of volunteering work ? :beer:

pmlindyloo

venomx wrote: »

I claim ESA and do a couple of hours of volunteer each week.
Taking meds for mental health and have a psychiatrist.


Do I have to inform the DWP even if im doing a tiny bit of volunteering work ? :beer:

Yes, you do.

Read this link:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/while-youre-getting-esa/working-while-getting-esa/

There is a form you need to complete which is contained in the link.

venomx

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Yes, you do.

Read this link:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/while-youre-getting-esa/working-while-getting-esa/

There is a form you need to complete which is contained in the link.

Ok. It shouldn't affect my claim as it's " Permitted work " ? I understand having to declare it if your working over 16 hours but not a couple of hours of unpaid volunteering


My reason for claim is paranoid schizophrenia and anxiety, nothing physical.


When i had my assessment months back, they didn't ask anything about work.

poppy12345

venomx wrote: »

Ok. It shouldn't affect my claim as it's " Permitted work " ? I understand having to declare it if your working over 16 hours but not a couple of hours of unpaid volunteering


My reason for claim is paranoid schizophrenia and anxiety, nothing physical.

You're not correct, i'm afraid. It's permitted work and you still need to tell them you're doing this, even if it's unpaid.


Also do be aware that if the work you do contradicts the reasons why you're claiming ESA then you could be re-assessed early and it could go against you when a decision's made.


See link. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/Permitted-Work-Rules


Taken from the above link. If you are considering starting permitted work you must tell the DWP or Jobcentre Plus and get their approval.

pmlindyloo

Have a read of the form. It clearly states what permitted work you can do and it does include volunteering.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/800904/permitted-work-form-pw1.pdf

poppy12345

You were also advised the exact same thing at the beginning of September.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6045178/working-on-esa

venomx

poppy12345 wrote: »

Taken from the above link. If you are considering starting permitted work you must tell the DWP or Jobcentre Plus and get their approval.

There's a job centre in the town centre,should I just pop in there and tell them ?

poppy12345

venomx wrote: »

There's a job centre in the town centre,should I just pop in there and tell them ?

You need to fill out a form and send it back.

venomx

And if I dont declare it i'll lose my benefits ? All for two hours a week ?

poppy12345

Link taken from post #3 of your previous post https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-permitted-work-form


Have you been doing permitted work all this time?

venomx

poppy12345 wrote: »

Link taken from post #3 of your previous post https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-permitted-work-form


Have you been doing permitted work all this time?

No, only for a few months.


Can i get the form in the job centre, i dont have a printer