Arts council DYCP grant and universal credit

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bewildering

I've recently been approved for funding towards mentoring, researching and developing my practice.

I'm currently in receipt of universal credit, and LCWRA.

ThThe grant will allow me to explore working 5 hours a week self employed. I have ME and other disabilities, and want to gently find a way back to employment.

Sadly the award comes in a lump, which would potentially be seen as income by DWP, although less than half of it is income. Apparently the lump could skew not just the month I receive it, but also be counted as earnings for the next two.

Which would mean the grant couldn't be used for it's intended purpose.

Wondering if anyone has experience of this? Or similar?

Mary_Scope

Hi @bewildering and a warm welcome to the community from me!

This sounds quite complex and I wouldn't want to advise the wrong information so it may be worth contacting a trained benefits adviser who should know the the next steps and what the best way to answer it 😊

Lovely to have you here and I look forward to seeing you around the community😊