Hi, been struggling to find the info I need online... hope someone here can help me.
I’m on higher rate ESA, as I was judged to be unable to work now (and likely not in the foreseeable future).
However, recently I have started new treatment, which is allowing me a little more energy and dexterity. I have always been an industrious person, and I would like to try and do a little bit of work from home, maybe set up my own little cottage industry (I have put together a business plan).
I foresee myself only being able to manage a few hours (maybe 5-10 hours a week) and the work would be done only when I feel up to it. It might not work out, I might find it’s too much for me... But I really want to give it a go. Maybe I will continue to improve and eventually have a sustainable business/ be able to come off my benefits. (That’s what I’d like to happen... I would really like to be able to support myself.)
I am wondering if DWP will support me as I have a go at doing this, and continue to pay my higher rate ESA. I am very worried that they will immediately move me off higher rate ESA the minute I try to do a bit of work (and I’m not entitled to any other type of employment support as my husband works).
I can’t afford to come off my benefits for the sake of a tiny bit of work from home... I can’t foresee myself earning more than about £50-£100 a month from it.
I’m scared to even mention the idea of it to DWP, as I just don’t know how they will receive it.
Does anyone know the answer to this? In short... is there any permitted work I can do while receiving HIGHER RATE employment support allowance...?
Thank you!
