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Permitted work, self-employed, coming off ESA. Plus think I’ve broken the rules!
- Hannn
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1 year 3 months ago #282534 by Hannn
Permitted work, self-employed, coming off ESA. Plus think I’ve broken the rules! was created by Hannn
Hi
I’ve been working as a self employed gardener for about a year. I only had one client who I visited once a fortnight so my earnings were under the weekly maximum.
I wrote to the DWP last year but I can no longer find that letter. I’m also concerned that I might have contacted the wrong department - I’m on ESA, PIP, Housing Benefit etc.
Lately I’ve been offered more work and have taken it as I’m afraid to turn it down. I want to get off my benefits and at the moment I’m relying on word of mouth so I want to make myself as available as I can in order to build a reputation and a career hopefully. I am definitely earning more than I should be and obviously that’s not a position I want to be in in terms of possibly getting in trouble and taking the p**s!
I also need to register as self employed for tax but I know I have until October 2024 to do that.
My mental health had been very stable but it’s been getting worse over the last six months. This situation and the confusion is making that worse. What I hope is that I will be able to come off ESA and maintain my PIP while my health is bad. Getting back to a proper work life is something very anxiety provoking but it’s incredibly important to my recovery as well.
Could you advise what my best course of action is please?
Thank you so much.
I’ve been working as a self employed gardener for about a year. I only had one client who I visited once a fortnight so my earnings were under the weekly maximum.
I wrote to the DWP last year but I can no longer find that letter. I’m also concerned that I might have contacted the wrong department - I’m on ESA, PIP, Housing Benefit etc.
Lately I’ve been offered more work and have taken it as I’m afraid to turn it down. I want to get off my benefits and at the moment I’m relying on word of mouth so I want to make myself as available as I can in order to build a reputation and a career hopefully. I am definitely earning more than I should be and obviously that’s not a position I want to be in in terms of possibly getting in trouble and taking the p**s!
I also need to register as self employed for tax but I know I have until October 2024 to do that.
My mental health had been very stable but it’s been getting worse over the last six months. This situation and the confusion is making that worse. What I hope is that I will be able to come off ESA and maintain my PIP while my health is bad. Getting back to a proper work life is something very anxiety provoking but it’s incredibly important to my recovery as well.
Could you advise what my best course of action is please?
Thank you so much.
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- BIS
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1 year 3 months ago #282553 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Permitted work, self-employed, coming off ESA. Plus think I’ve broken the rules!
Hi Hann
I'm sorry, but your question is outside the scope of this forum. If you're earning too much money that could get you into trouble and I would politely advise you to sort it out as soon as possible. You need to find a specialist welfare advisor - who can talk through all your options. I've included a link to try and find one in your area. advicelocal.uk/
BIS
I'm sorry, but your question is outside the scope of this forum. If you're earning too much money that could get you into trouble and I would politely advise you to sort it out as soon as possible. You need to find a specialist welfare advisor - who can talk through all your options. I've included a link to try and find one in your area. advicelocal.uk/
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: AliBee
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- Hannn
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1 year 3 months ago #282615 by Hannn
Replied by Hannn on topic Permitted work, self-employed, coming off ESA. Plus think I’ve broken the rules!
Hello BIS
Thank you for the link.
Regarding the tone of your reply however, I haven’t put myself in this position on purpose. I’m not a snide or a fraudster. I have been severely mentally ill and my luck is taking a turn for the better in terms of opportunities but it’s overwhelmed my knowledge and useful, clear information and advice is hard to come by. That’s the reason this site and forum exist, no? “Politely advising” sounds judgemental and disingenuous and I’m pretty sure that’s not what people come here for. The DWP do a good enough job of dehumanising us.
Again, thanks for the link. But maybe check your tone. You don’t know me or most of the people you “politely advise”.
Thank you for the link.
Regarding the tone of your reply however, I haven’t put myself in this position on purpose. I’m not a snide or a fraudster. I have been severely mentally ill and my luck is taking a turn for the better in terms of opportunities but it’s overwhelmed my knowledge and useful, clear information and advice is hard to come by. That’s the reason this site and forum exist, no? “Politely advising” sounds judgemental and disingenuous and I’m pretty sure that’s not what people come here for. The DWP do a good enough job of dehumanising us.
Again, thanks for the link. But maybe check your tone. You don’t know me or most of the people you “politely advise”.
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- Gary
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1 year 3 months ago - 1 year 3 months ago #282624 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Permitted work, self-employed, coming off ESA. Plus think I’ve broken the rules!
Hi Hannn
I have had a read on BIS's post, she was giving you sound advice.
Your question about self employed is outside the remit of the forum, I would point you in the direction of Business Debtline; www.businessdebtline.org or Tax Aid; taxaid.org.uk
As for “Politely advising” sounds judgemental and disingenuous, this was not BIS's intention, we quite often come across claimants who have fallen foul due to not reporting any learnt income, BIS was trying to warn you to be careful.
You are quite right we do not know you.
Gary
I have had a read on BIS's post, she was giving you sound advice.
Your question about self employed is outside the remit of the forum, I would point you in the direction of Business Debtline; www.businessdebtline.org or Tax Aid; taxaid.org.uk
As for “Politely advising” sounds judgemental and disingenuous, this was not BIS's intention, we quite often come across claimants who have fallen foul due to not reporting any learnt income, BIS was trying to warn you to be careful.
You are quite right we do not know you.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 1 year 3 months ago by Gary. Reason: Link not working
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- AliBee
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1 year 3 months ago #282626 by AliBee
Replied by AliBee on topic Permitted work, self-employed, coming off ESA. Plus think I’ve broken the rules!
Honestly Hannn, I think it’s you that needs to check their tone. You obviously didn’t get the reply that you were hoping for, but BIS is correct.
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