Permitted work

Hello HD,

I am sorry to hear of the rotten deal life has thrown at you recently and appauld your positive approach.

There are a number of issues with what you are suggesting and I would urge you to read our guide 'Permitted work and working while on universal credit due to sickness or disability'. I know the title says UC, but it also applies to ESA. You will find it on this page.

UC & ESA resources

If having read that you have any further questions please do come back to us.

Catherine

Hi again HD

The main issue you have to address is that you have been placed in the Support Group. This will have been done because the assessor believes that for whatever reason you either should not or are not able to work. If you were to start working, albeit permitted work, you are potentially saying that you can work, and therefore should not be in the Support Group.

Now, I know there are lots of reasons why this may not apply, but it is highly likely that someone will look at your award again to see if they got their initial assessment right. If your ESA was reviewed although no one at the DWP would actually say this to you, you would be having to prove why you say you cannot work when you are actually working.

I would strongly advise you seek personal advice before doing this with someone who is able to consider your individual circumstances, which is beyond the scope of this forum.

This can be a helpful link in locating someone.

I feel really bad not being able to enthusiastically encourage you to do something which would clearly be so beneficial to you. But at the very least I would like you to go into it with your eyes open.

Once again, please do come back to us if you want.
Catherine