Is there anyone who's in the Support Group and became self-employed?

LuckeeBlackCat1

Hi, all. Hope you are well. I have complex conditions, ME, type 2 diabetes, PTSD, depression, IBS due to past domestic abuse. I love making art, design, comic drawing, life writing and watch films, reading. Also love cats. I find SCOPE do info on Self-employment. (When I checked a couple of years ago, wasn't. But for long-term sick and disabled self-employment however the scale is worthwhile and empowering. I want to be self-employed designer. But I have no support whatsoever. I am scared of talking to JobCentre, as I'm in Support Group of ESA and may get sanction. Is there anyone who got support and became self-employed?  

poppy123456

HI,

You can't be sanctioned because you're in the Support Group. You can work while claiming ESA as it's called permitted work. Although you must make sure that you work less than 16 hours per week and earn no more than £140 per week after deductions. If you earn more than this then your ESA will stop. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/Permitted-Work-Rules

You will also need to make sure that the work you do doesn't contradict the reasons why you're claiming ESA, otherwise you could be re-assessed early and the decision could go against once it's made.

You will need to fill out a PW1 form from DWP for the permited work.

Can't answer your questions about self employed support though, sorry. Hopefully someone will see this and be able to help further.

LuckeeBlackCat1

Thanks Poppy123456. 
I am fully aware of limitation and risk in ESA, Support Group. That is why I am asking our community! 
But I have had Permitted Work as self-employed while with Incapacity Benefit for three years. It's quite different nowadays by Tory DWP!! They used to bully me when I attended Work -Related Activity interviews when I had no confidence to do any work. (Vote Labour!! I supported my local Disability rep to be elected for national post!)