Declared volunteering, sent a permitted work form

Hi,

I have been on support group ESA since 2013 for mh problems.

I recently finished therapy and contacted an independent employment advice service to get advice on what the DWP rules are on volunteering. I was about to start volunteering 3 hours a week for NHS project, supported by occ health and my manager. Work is voluntary, not paid. I was told all their clients notify DWP re volunteering without any issues.

I was advised that all voluntary work had to be declared but no advice on whether you ring/couldn't find a form online. I write to my local jobcentre with a note examining my hours, voluntary tasks and a supporting letter from my volunteer manager.

A month later, I got a permitted work PW1 in the post w no letter. I called ESA DWP line and they insist that voluntary work is now considered work and thus I need to submit the Permitted work form.

I'm a carer and me and my partner claim benefits so now I am terrified I have triggered a work related form that might cause reassessment. I don't want to refuse to fill in the form in case our benefits are cut but also am reluctant to fill out a permitted work form when I am not doing any paid work whatsoever and am not well enough to.

Has anyone had this problem before? What do I do?