Classed as Working or not?

Egon Peter Hopkinson wrote:

I was wondering, if a person claiming IB or ESA were to lend money (invest) to another to develop a business, and subsequently received repayment with profit. Would that be classed by the DWP as working?
Also another scenario:- If a person were to sell items made whilst persuing a hobby (only 1 or 2 per year), could that also be classed as working?
Regards
Peter

The big issue with these types of questions is that it is often only a DWP Decision Maker, who can actually declare whether a particular situation fits with the regulations or not.

Remunerative work is defined as work that is done in return for payment or in the expectation of payment.

So in the first example I don't think this would be classed as work as you would not particpating in the business, however, any profit realised would be classed as income, which might affect your benefits.

The second example I think is less clear cut, the issue being that goods are produced and then sold, presumably at a profit. Really it will boil down to the time invested in the activity and what income is derived.

If in doubt, contact your local DWP office.

Gordon