Can I work whilst in the support group?

rossi11

Hi All, 
I called the DWP but the person I spoke to was highly rude and questioning my reason for wanting to work. I'm age 39, recently taken partial medical retirement from my teaching job due to cancer. 
I receive £113 each week in the support group BUT I also receive a small private pension (which I have already declared and given proof). The pension is £66.75 per week. I read somewhere that I could potentially earn up to £140 per week whilst in the support group, but does this mean I would have to take into account my pension? E.g. £140 - £66.75 = £73.25 earning potential per week? 
Thank you in advance for anyone who may be able to give insight into this. As previously mentioned, I've found the DWP, in general, to be judgemental and difficult to deal with.

Ross

serenity2

Hi @rossi11

apologies I don’t know the answer myself but wondered if anything in this area of the site may help.. https://community.scope.org.uk/categories/ask-an-employment-adviser

im sorry for your experiences with the DWP and hope someone here can provide you with some help 

best wishes to you 

rossi11

Thank you Serenity2  
I've posted in the category to ask an Employment Adviser for some advice. Hopefully, I've not double posted in the same space! 
Thanks for replying. 
Ross 

serenity2

hi @rossi11
Hope you get some help 
im fairly new here , so not totally up to speed on things. It seems a very friendly space to ask for help and support . 
every good wish to you ..hope you find some answers and all goes well

Adrian_Scope

Hi @rossi11. I'm sorry the person you spoke to was so rude, you would think they'd want to encourage and support people into work, not discourage it!

My understanding is that they are two separate calculations. So you can earn up to £140 per week and receive the £66.75 pension. 

Also, remember to fill in the permitted work form!

rossi11

Thank you Adrian for your advice ?

Adrian_Scope

You're welcome @rossi11.