Etsy shop

valleygirl82

Hi, I’ve recently been put into the ESA Support Group. I have a small Etsy store, which I currently make around £15 profit per week (if it’s a good week!). I sell digital printable papers so pay out for a lot of software but really enjoy creating. My goal was to push the shop on social media etc to really increase profit but now I’ve been put into the support group I’m unsure of what to do. Are they likely to allow me to continue the shop as permitted work (I sit and create for around an hour a day)? I’ve read elsewhere that Etsy doesn’t count as permitted work so I’m really unsure what to do. I haven’t registered as self employed because I haven’t made £1000 in revenue yet. Thanks in advance.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @valleygirl82 and welcome to the community.

I found some information here on Permitted Work. If you work under 16 hours a week and earn no more than £195.50 a week it should not affect your ESA. It says that you should fill in the Permitted Work Form so they're aware of what you're doing.

Hope that helps 😊

valleygirl82

thank you. On the PW1 form it asks for declaration from support worker. Do I need to speak to the job centre about this? They’ve already emailed me to say they no longer need to keep in touch. I’m hoping Dwp don’t alter my payments but even though my Etsy store brings in a negligible amount of money, it’s making me nervous.

Rachel_Scope

Hi, that section is for Supported Permitted Work where you'd have a professional support worker that is someone who works for a public or voluntary organisation. This is the definition of Supported Permitted Work:

If an individual requires additional support to participate in the scheme, they may be eligible for programmes like Access to Work. This programme offers assistance with workplace accommodations, equipment, and support workers.

Try not to worry. The amount of income and time you're working is well within the limits they allow 😊