voluntary work

I am helping someone apply for ESA who does a small amount (1-2 hours) of voluntary work each week. He wonders whether it is best to mention this on his ESA50 or at his medical so as to seem as if he is making an effort, or whether if he mentions it he might look too much as though he is capable of work. Any thoughts welcome, please - thanks.

He isn't obliged to show that he is making an effort to do anything, so I can't see what benefit there is to mentioning it. However, if he chooses to mention it, I think that it would be wise to be explicit so that it does not look as if he is doing a substantial amount of work and so that it is clear what sort of work it is so that inferences cannot be drawn as to whether it conflicts with anything in his claim (assuming that his work does not).

Hi Clara

Talking from personal experience, I mentioned on a medical form and at the medical that I was studying web design, for the very reason that you mentioned, to show that I am making an effort towards employment. Big mistake!

ATOS and DWP decision makers do not care about making an effort but only aim to apply the Work Capacity Assessment, so you need to consider whether assumptions can me made about the nature of the work undertaken.

For example, a wheelchair user could do a desk job without having to get up and walk. But if somebody with mental health problems works behind a till, assumptions could be made regarding memory and concentration, ability to complete tasks, learning new tasks, etc.

If you mention voluntary work that could in any way be used to justify not scoring points claimed on application, give a clear description of the tasks being carried out and any difficulty or limitations he has.

Hope this is helpful.

Derek

Hi all, I said I was capable of reading for 20 mins before I went to bed.

This itself was translated as 1. I can concentrate for 20 minutes and 2. I am physically capable of holding a book for 20 minutes.

Therefore I am obviously capable of getting a job!

Rachel

I think that Derek and Rachel's personal experiences speak volumes about this, so it looks like you've got your answer, Clara.