ESA application and permitted work.

121Stargazer

Hello

Please advise.

I have been self-employed for over 20 years but my cerebral palsy has deteriorated quite a bit in the last couple of years to such an extent I can now only work on average around 5-7 hours a week (mainly online work). Some weeks I am unable to work at all due to pain, discomfort and fatigue.

I am thinking of applying for New Style ESA and having looked at the Capability for Work questionnaire (ESA50) descriptors I could be put into the support group after the WCA.  I don’t want to give up work completely so is it advisable to apply to do permitted work during the initial ESA application process or will it be seen as contradictory?

Many thanks.

Jimm_Alumni

Hi @121Stargazer, there is 'permitted work' under ESA. There are more details about it here. The type of work and how much you can work/earn. You should inform the DWP before you begin working and receiving ESA, they can let you know if it is permitted work or not.

121Stargazer

Thank you for signposting. Although lots of useful information there, it doesn't actually answer my query which is: should I let DWP know I want to do some permitted work when I make my application for ESA? It seems many people decide to try permitted work some time after they have been awarded ESA but I would like continue doing some small hours right from start (if awarded).

poppy123456

Yes you will need to tell them about any work that you’re doing if you make a claim. 

121Stargazer

Thank you Poppy. Would it count against when making a claim? Could DWP see it as being able to do some work and therefore not put  me in the support group?

poppy123456

That will depend on whether the work you do contradicts the reasons why you think you should be in the Support Group.