Hi, my name is alicat26! Scared DWP will see my Etsy shop and stop my benefits

alicat26
alicat26 Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
edited May 1 in Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

Hi, due to a cancer diagnosis, and losing my home and job all within a few months, i ended up having depression, anxiety and PTSD. I cant deal with people anymore, dont go out on my own and basically not the person I used to be.

I have been in the support group of ESA for about a year, and have recently been awarded PIP of which I am very grateful.

I used to have an Etsy shop, and would love to try again just to give me something to focus on. I've worked out i can order stock online, have it delivered, and not leave the house. My partner said he would take any parcels to the Post office for me, so I have felt a little bit of excitement for the first time in a long time.

I know I can do permitted work etc, but am terrified that DWP will see this as a vast improvement and stop my benefit. I have no savings, so nothing to fall back on.

Has anyone else been in my position, would love some advice please.

Comments

  • Bluebell21
    Bluebell21 Community Member Posts: 2,700 Trailblazing

    Hi @alicat26 welcome to the Community. I hope you enjoy your time on the forum. Any questions just ask.

    https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/working-while-you-claim

    There is some information here about working while you claim ESA.

    Working will not affect your PIP as this is not means tested and you can work and claim it.

    I think it is a step forward for you to consider having your Etsy shop again and will give you something to focus on.

    I have also included a link to Macmillan.

    https://www.macmillan.org.uk

    Good luck with your Etsy shop.

    Take care.

  • alicat26
    alicat26 Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    Thank you so much x

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,454 Online Community Team

    Hi @alicat26 and welcome to the community! I'm sorry that you're struggling. That's great that you want to sell things on Etsy. What do you make?

  • alicat26
    alicat26 Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    @Rachel_Scope I used to sell high quality silk flowers, but now I would like to resell vintage items xx

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