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ESA and working, any advice please?

thelaststraw

Hi, I developed long covid after the initial infection in March 2020 while working in a hospital doing a job I loved. I had to hand in my notice after 9 months of sickness as there was no chance of going back to the position I held as it was both physical and mentally challenging, for even a fit person.

Its been life changing in many ways, from the disbelief from all corners; doctors, collegues, family and friends. Fatigue has by far been the worst, and still is. The annomally list is long, it includes mental health issues, anhedonia, paranoia, insomnia. I hardly go out now as I cant deal with crowds and don't trust anyone anymore.

Fortunately for me a friend lets me work for her between 4 and 6 hours a week. Its calming and usually just us two working together. She has asked if I would like to increase it to 8 hours a week, two 4 hour days. She is aware of my condition so I feel safe.

I was already claiming esa which changed to supported esa, thats now under review because I'm working.

I have just had notification of my pip review, despite my ongoing symptoms, I am worried that I will lose that now.

I am 64 and unlikely to find emloyment anywhere else that fits my needs under my current circumstances.

I scrape by as it is...

I am terrified!

Any advice would be very much appreciated

Thank you

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Comments

Morgan_Alumni

Good morning @thelaststraw and thank you for sharing your situation with us.

It sounds as though you have a very supportive friend and I am happy she is able to offer you work that suits you and your current circumstances.

Many people successfully claim PIP and ESA and work. For PIP there are no limits to the work you can do and it should not impact your claim, however they may ask questions to ensure that the work you do does not contradict the reasons for claiming.

ESA is similar but there is also the permitted work rule for ESA. You mentioned your ESA is being reviewed due to you starting work, did you let ESA know you were working in advance?

thelaststraw

Thank you for your reply 🙂

I sent a letter a while ago but I didnt get a response. I was only helping her for 2 hours a week. My memory is not as great these days so I forgot about it.

My friend has not long registered as a company due to its growth over the last year. (I dont understand all the in and outs of it but I got the gist of what it meant)

Her accountant set up employers details and I filled in a form then with details of benefits I'm in receipt of back then. I was only doing 4 hours, and sometimes an extra 2 hours of work to take home so I could do it in my own time.

I do feel very lucky to have this position, its all I can do now. It has helped keep me sane too!

I don't mind paying tax, which ive had to do as an emergency tax case, despite not going over the threshold.

Hopefully it will all get sorted out without too much angst

poppy123456

When doing permitted work you must fill out the PW1 form and return it back to them.

If the review for your ESA isn't a work capability assessment then they have likely found out that you're working from HMRC.

Permitted work rules allow you to earn up to £183.50/week and work less than 16 hours per week. If you work 16 or more hours per week then your ESA stops.

thelaststraw

Thank you for the info poppy.

I hand wrote a letter, maybe it didnt get taken into considerationd. This is now obviously what has happened

poppy123456

They don't always acknowledge letters. There shouldn't be any issues providing you didn't work or earn over the permitted work amounts. As well as the work you do not contradicting the reasons why you're in the Support Group.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-permitted-work-form/permitted-work-factsheet

thelaststraw

Ive still have the same condition, Ive also got heart issues due to the virus damage which is monitored. I attend Long Covid clinic appointments which was a referral by my doctor.

Ive not worked over 6 hours in a week, sometimes its only 4. It depends what I can manage. But I understand my friend needing me to do a couple more set hours now.

I've got a form to fill in for the DWP, I will fill it in, and send a covering letter along with it.

Thanks again for the info!

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