ESA (either New Style or Contribution based) and Airbnb income Scotland

Slonvinton

I think from what you all are saying; these are the only sources relevant to ESA and this query. Im going to go through it all again methodically and see if it starts making sense; hopefully I havent missed any relevant docs.

ADM Chapter V3: ESA – effect of work 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65645aea1fd90c000dac3bc2/admv3.pdf

Chapter V5: ESA and self-employed earners
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/810648/admv5.pdf

The Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/379/data.pdf

I did try to get in touch with the DWP but they didnt seem to be viewing what I was saying as hypothetical, they thanked me for the information regarding my house, and asked for my national insurance number; they did not answer the question. I responded saying it was just a query not info, but Ive heard nothing back yet.

I found a horrible story on the benefits and work forum about someone being told they had done this wrong and had to pay back benefit, but there was no update on what eventually happened.
 https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum/10-dla-esa-queries-results/130683-contrib-esa-and-property-income  

Possibly this one too
Memo ADM 01/20 Identifying Employment/Self-Employment For The Determination Of Competency For Cash Sickness Benefits
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e62299a86650c51421c839c/adm1-20.pdf

Newcad

You are getting there now - different chapters of the ADM each refer to the different main benefits that can currently be claimed at working age

It has been noted by many professional advisors that the way that the ADM is laid out is horrendous to navigate and find what you are looking for, (DMG is/was much better organised), so don't get discouraged if you can't easilly find something in ADM.

However I do still believe that you need to seriously rethink/revise your plan to rent out your property for AirBnB style short lets.

• Start from the assumption that doing so will stop any income related benefits being paid to you.
• Remember the tax implications.
• Don't forget that with AirBnB type lets you still have all the utility bills, painting and decorating, property maintenance, etc, etc. to pay.
• Don't forget buildings/contents insurance - your current insurance will be void if you rent out, and good luck finding any company that will insure an AirBnB.
• And then possible issues with rental voids where nobody is renting it, or someone not paying, or someone  damaging the property (people book AirBnBs simply to hold wild party's), or even someone running off with your white goods, furniture, and carpets it happens.
• They have even been rented to be used as brothels.

https://www.igms.com/airbnb-horror-stories-what-property-owners-need-to-know-and-how-to-avoid-them/#
Running rental property, particularly short lets, particularly from a distance, can be a hard and risky job.