LCWRA, PIP and voluntary work

Cailla_Lily
Cailla_Lily Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
in Universal Credit (UC)
Hi
I’ve been on LCWRA and lower band PIP for 3 years now. 
I’m getting to the point where I feel isolated, lonely and it’s not helping the depression. 
I’ve been offered the chance to help in a local school holiday club to help with art and craft.  Because of mobility issues and pain I can only realistically do this infrequently.  
It would be during school holidays so not a lot of days doing a trial of 2 days next holiday.  
I’d really like to try this. It would get me out and I’d be with company plus give me a feeling that I’m helping someone.  
My own grandchildren live 200 miles away and I’d enjoy being with other children. 
Am I allowed to do this? It’s voluntary and only 5 minutes from my home. I get anxious going somewhere new so this would be ideal.  
Would it conflict with the reasons I’m on pip and UC?
I’m worried they would think if I can do this then I should work. I really can’t do a full days work everyday. 
I’m on pain medication and antidepressants.  Some days I can barely walk because of the pain. I’ve also not recovered my energy since going into hospital last year with covid. 
I think this will be good for me. 
Can anyone help please? 
thank you 

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    You can work whilst claiming either of those, including paid work. Yes, you do need to be aware that if the work you do contradicts the reasons why you're claiming either of them then it could go against you when you're next reviewed.

    Although it's voluntary, you should still report the changes to UC but make sure you tell them it's voluntary. You do not need to tell PIP.
  • Jimm_Alumni
    Jimm_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,717 Championing
    Hey again @Cailla_Lily, first of all I just want to say I find it pretty amazing that you're off volunteering while still dealing with those issues. It's certainly not easy but I have amazing respect for all volunteers. 

    As Poppy said as long as it doesn't conflict with anything you've told the DWP it should be fine, and you don't have to inform PIP at all, just UC.

    From what you've said you are doing this very infrequently and the majority of the time you are still too ill to work, if the DWP asks just tell them your exact circumstances as you did when you were assessed :)

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