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Hi, my name is MiffyMum! I would like to work one day a week. Which benefits will this effect?

MiffyMum

I am here to get some advice please.
I am currently claiming ESA and in the support group, PIP with the higher level daily living component and Housing Benefit.
I suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Asthma, Hemiplegic Migraine and have an Acquired Brain Injury.
I trained to be a Reiki practitioner years ago and it is something I would like to get back into by working for myself one day a week. It seems like a massive minefield working out which benefits this would affect and I know I will probably get swapped over to UC if I change my situation, but I’m struggling to know for definite what will happen, how much money I’ll loose etc and I’m scared that I won’t be able to pay for my rent etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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Comments

Albus_Alumni

Hey there @MiffyMum and welcome to the community.

I totally understand the hesitance, the benefits system is a bit of a minefield at times. Have you taken a look at a benefits calculator? That will help to show what you'd be entitled to? I'm sure some of our community will have more suggestions soon though. 😊

poppy123456

As you’re claiming ESA then you can do permitted work. You must make sure that it’s less than 16 hours per week and earn no more than £183.50/week.

You must tell ESA you’re working and will need to fill out a PW1 form. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-permitted-work-form/permitted-work-factsheet

Earnings from permitted work are ignored for housing benefit and ESA. This will not prompt a move to UC.

MiffyMum

Hi Albus_Scope and Poppy123456

Thank you for your words of wisdom and advice. I haven’t tried a benefits calculator, but I will use the link to fill one in. Do you know if being a Reiki Practitioner would come under the bracket of permitted work? I would only be doing 5 hours in one day with breaks in between.
Im so pleased that it won’t automatically switch me over to UC too, I’m dreading that.
Thank you.

poppy123456

A benefits calculator is not helpful when doing permitted work because earnings are ignored anyway.

Permitted work can be any type of work providing you work LESS than 16 hours per week and earn no more than the maximum amount mentioned above.

MiffyMum

I will definitely be working less than 16 hours because I will end up being too tired to function properly.
I’ve printed off a PW1 form, but just wondering who I ask to be a Permitted Support Worker? Will the DWP assign someone for me when I have sent the form in?
Thank you.

poppy123456

Please ignore the part about supported permitted work because it’s no longer relevant to be honest. As I advised you can do any work.

What you do need to be aware of is if the work contradicts the reasons why you’re claiming ESA then it could go against you at your next review.

MiffyMum

oh ok, thank you.
I can’t stand for long and I also go dizzy, get chest pain and feel off balance if I stand for long. I’m going to start with 5 hours a week. I’ll be sat down for the treatment, so I’ll just see how I go. I just feel like I’d like to be doing something with my time because I miss mixing with other people.