Volunteer works for PIP recipients

saman

Hello everyone;

For the last couple of years, I have received PIP due to some physical disabilities. Nevertheless, I have started to feel a lot of depression and anxiety, as my social contacts are very limited. 

I am now thinking of taking part in some volunteer social activities to feel valuable in society. However, I am afraid my PIP would be cut if I start working (even if it is non-paid work). There are a lot of rumors about it and I can not find the right source of information. I thought I may get some advice and support from this community.

Some background about me:

I am a trained mathematician with a PhD in statistics. I have been living in the UK with a refugee title since 2019. I also have work permit in the UK.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards;
/S.

poppy123456

Hi,

PIP isn't about your ability to work, people claim PIP and work. However, you do need to be careful that the work you do doesn't contradict the reasons why you're claiming PIP.

Ross_Alumni

hello @sonan and welcome to the community, I hope you are well.

It's normal to worry about these sort of things but your PIP won't be impacted by voluntary work or work of any kind. As mentioned above though, it's worth considering whether the work you will be doing would contradict the reasons for which you are claiming PIP.

Volunteering is a great way to gain some experience and build confidence and feel better about yourself, do you have any idea what sort of volunteer work you would want to do? You said social activities, but I'm wodnering what kind you mean  

Also, do you receive any support at all to manage your depression and anxiety?

saman

poppy123456 said:

Hi,

PIP isn't about your ability to work, people claim PIP and work. However, you do need to be careful that the work you do doesn't contradict the reasons why you're claiming PIP.

Hi;

This is exactly why I am confused, as I can not predict how the "contradiction" between my volunteer work and the reason why I receive PIP is determined. For instance, I receive PIP due to my cancer (which affects all my physical activities). But that does not mean I am unable to do anything. There are ups and downs, but eventually, I am willing to do something even if it causes some pain. Doing so, I hope I can feel better mentally.

calcotti

Remember that PIP only looks at specific activities. Remember too that it looks at how you are on the majority of days.
At the moment you do not know how doing work will affect you. You only need to tell PIP if after several months it is clear that your health has improved and the difficulties you experience have reduced