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Permitted work when in ESA Support Group

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5 years 6 months ago #217942 by stefaniel2001
Permitted work when in ESA Support Group was created by stefaniel2001
Hi - I have tried searching this but other than finding the FAQ and some news updsates I can't seem to find how to search for actual forum posts so apologies if this in there somewhere.

I am in the Support Group for ESA and following last years tribunal (thank B&W!) I am on basic rate for PIP in both sections. I haven't been re-assessed for ESA for several years - can't actually remember when it was.

I have a few craft/art projects that I've completed over the years and when I'm able I like to use crafting as a form of therapy - when I manage to complete something it stops me feeling worthless. Now I've only ever gifted stuff since my illness but I have been encouraged to sell things - not being able to attend fairs or events I have looked into an online store - I found a site that is specifically for crafters with chronic health conditions that only charges a small fee and no commission and think that would be ideal for me.

Then I realised I'd have to complete a form for permitted work - I don't even know where to begin with it - I'd only be crafting as and when with no regularity or predictability so the 'hours' section doesn't really seem to apply. Also I'm now worried that if I do this I'd be opening a can of worms. If the DWP think I'm sitting at home merrily crafting away and selling everything on a daily basis (which I most definitely won't be) they will re-open everything and take my ESA and PIP off me - if they did that I just couldn't afford to live and I feel so drained even now a year after my last tribunal that I don't think I could survive if I had to fight them on it.

So I have 2 questions really

Are any members here on ESA in the support group and doing permitted work and if so did it cause any issues?

And secondly - can anyone advise me on how I can complete the form if I do go ahead?

Thanks in advance

Steffi :o)

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5 years 6 months ago #217953 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Permitted work when in ESA Support Group
Steffi

The primary issue with PW is whether your doing so conflicts with the reasons that you have been awarded ESA, as a deliberately silly example; if you took a job delivering the post and had been awarded ESA due to your mobility problems, then it would clearly be an issue.

As to filling in the form, all I can suggest is that you provide as much detail as possible to explain what you are going to do. In particular, ask for averaging of any income you receive, there is a weekly earnings limit for PW, exceeding the limit will result in you being classed as being remunerative work.

There is a guide to PW in the ESA section.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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5 years 6 months ago #217957 by stefaniel2001
Replied by stefaniel2001 on topic Permitted work when in ESA Support Group
Thank you Gordon - I don't know how I missed that guide - I've downloaded it now and will have a read through it - I'm hopeful that if I explain that it is really a therapeutic hobby more than anything and that I probably won't make any money most weeks I should be ok!

Steffi
The following user(s) said Thank You: Gordon

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5 years 6 months ago #217975 by carole
Replied by carole on topic Permitted work when in ESA Support Group
Steffi I do a voluntary role not on any regular basis just as and when this trigged a "compliance Interview " last year and a telephone one this year on each occasion the guy i spoke to was very friendly and helpful and suggested on both occasions that i could do this as PW I choose not to do as its my way of giving a little back but it seemed to be not a problem and I'm in Support group. Best wishes

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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5 years 6 months ago #218017 by stefaniel2001
Replied by stefaniel2001 on topic Permitted work when in ESA Support Group
Thank you Carole :). That's good to hear

I think I'm just a little paranoid!!

Steffi

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5 years 6 months ago #218026 by keeptrying
Replied by keeptrying on topic Permitted work when in ESA Support Group
I was also wondering about this issue and this is what I found on ENTITLED TO web site

- If you are on ESA / IB / IS / SDA - then you are allowed to do permitted work
- you need to seek approval from DWP/JC
- You do not need approval from your doctor or have to have a medical assessment just because you are doing permitted work. If a medical assessment is due as part of your ongoing benefits-related review, it will go ahead as planned.

it then goes on to explain the finer details - but this one sentance stood out rather
"The general rule is that these benefits are paid because you are not fit for work and will stop if you do some work."

I dont find that at all reassuring - it seems to completely contradict itself

in an ideal world i think the idea of permitted work is a good way forward for many
however i would be very interested to see how many people subsequently lose their benefits as a result - even when they are still suffering from the same difficulties

Steffi - i think i found the site you refered to and it looks really interesting. I also make lots of things and give them away or sell them for charity
The following user(s) said Thank You: s.jmoore@blueyonder.co.uk, stefaniel2001

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