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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To volunteer on the sly? (benefits)

30 replies

Esaworry · 05/03/2019 14:53

NC.

I have been on ESA for around 2 years. I have very bad anxiety and depression.

I fought very hard to get my award. I had to go to tribunal with medical evidence and the judge awarded it me straight away.

I am in the higher group.

I don't socialise. Have friends. Go many places...

I've been very lonely and isolated

I am adopting an animal and have made several trips to see them with a family member.

I like a certain species of animal and the sanctuary doesn't seem to know how to look after them the best way.

I would like to go once a week and clean out cages, make toys for them etc...

But I'm terrified if I ring DWP and ask about this they will tell me if I can do 4 hours there then I can work.

I'm not even sure I will be able to do it right now. Its just a thought.

But I don't know. If I did do it WIBU to not mention it to DWP for fear they will sanction me or something.

It seems unfair I can't try and do something that might help my mental health? I'm just very scared of getting I trouble and them taking my money/award away :(

OP posts:
TheQueef · 05/03/2019 14:55

Are you in support group?

Whywonttheyletmeusemyusername · 05/03/2019 14:57

If you're on ESA, you can work, and earn up to £125 pw. If you're volunteering, I'm pretty certain they wouldn't sanction you. In other words, if you were getting paid, they couldn't sanction you, so no reason why you couldn't volunteer. Good luck

Original poster
Esaworry · 05/03/2019 14:58

Yes I'm in support group.

Really? I just thought they would tell me if I can. Go there I must be better

OP posts:
Awwlookatmybabyspider · 05/03/2019 15:01

Im not going to encourage you to do anything on the sly. I can't.
However one thing I will say is The Government are sneaky fuckers. They might and i stress the word might say. If you can work volentary you can get a paid job.

TheQueef · 05/03/2019 15:02

There are guidelines on .gov and you can volunteer or do less than 16hours paid up to £125.

I would be wary about your esa review they could argue that you need wrag or even jsa.

tattooq · 05/03/2019 15:06

I agree with Queef above, it shouldn't be an issue while your on ESA but it could mean you're moved on JSA at review as you're seen as capable of some work

IHaveBrilloHair · 05/03/2019 15:06

I wouldn't risk it.

Original poster
Esaworry · 05/03/2019 15:11

:(

I don't think I can risk it.

I feel like I'm not allowed to do anything that might help me on the road to recovery.

I'm bored out of my mind and so sad

OP posts:
TheQueef · 05/03/2019 15:16

Have a look at supported permitted work the sanctuary may be able to offer support.

Ted27 · 05/03/2019 15:18

@esaworry google the NCVO website. That has a good guide to volunteering whilst on benefits.

You can volunteer as long as it meets certain criteria which are different depending on the benefit being claimed.

Hont1986 · 05/03/2019 15:30

As previous posters have said, you can do unpaid (or even paid) work without it stopping your ESA. You do have to get permission from the DWP first; the rules are here:

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/while-youre-getting-esa/working-while-getting-esa/

But there is also the risk that if you are doing a lot of hours, this might count against you when you are reassessed. A consistent record of 10+ hour weeks would certainly make the DWP want to find you fit for work; you'd be safer if it was only 2-3 hours a week and sporadic rather than regular.

Tomtontom · 05/03/2019 15:31

I'm really torn on this because I'm a complete stickler for rules, but you want to do something that will improve your health but well aware that it could be used against you. Crazy situation.

It wouldn't fall under supported permitted work unfortunately, they'll only grant approval for that if it's supervised/ supported by a recognised disability employment service (most of which have gone now with all the cuts).

I'd be inclined to do it and not say anything. If they ever did find out play dumb and say you didn't know you had to declare it as it's not work, it's volunteering. The worst they can do at that point is reassess you, and/ or ask you to complete a permitted work form. They can't sanction you or penalise you financially as you've not claimed anything you're not entitled to.

Tomtontom · 05/03/2019 15:34

Are you under the community mental health team? They should have an employment advisor who can coordinate supported permitted work, if you did choose to declare it.

earlyrisingcat · 05/03/2019 15:35

It is a risk sadly... Even if they are OK with it (DWP,) I would worry about them thinking/saying on your next assessment, that if you can do volunteer work, you can do regular work.

It's sad, but this is what keeps many people on disability benefits from doing anything. (Even if they could do bits and bobs to get out a bit/relieve their boredom/meet new people/feel they are contributing something etc...)

Unfortunately, with these assessor twats; if you are caught carrying a family sized bag of maltesers, it means you can work full time. Hmm

TheQueef · 05/03/2019 15:49

Perfect example of the benefit trap.

FriarTuck · 05/03/2019 15:50

But surely if it's going to help you on the road to recovery then it won't matter if they then expect you to work for a certain amount of hours because you'll be able to and wanting to? And equally if it doesn't help you then you'll be stopping anyway because you'll be too anxious to continue?

BollocksToBrexit · 05/03/2019 15:58

Talk to your doctor, get her to advise you that doing something voluntary like this will be beneficial to your health. And get it put on your records. Then if they kick off you can show that it's part of a treatment plan.

My friend was reported for volunteering at a dog rescue. The fraud investigator asked her why she thought it was ok. She told him that her psychologist at the hospital recommended it, and gave their details. She's never heard anything since. That was 3 years ago.

Original poster
Esaworry · 05/03/2019 16:00

Not really Friar.

There's a whole world of difference in deciding if I want to go and play with animals for 3 hours one day a week (and have the choice to say no I can't do it today if I wake up anxious and upset, know I g not going won't result in me bei g sanctioned and my money stopped) and being told I have to get a 16 hour job in Asda with strangers and responsibilities and pressure of being late/ Ill or feeling like I can't talk to people that day.

One makes me smile the other makes my mind immediately go to self harming and suidial thoughts :(

OP posts:
WhoWants2Know · 05/03/2019 16:00

You can certainly volunteer on an occasional basis, when you feel well enough.

It's whether you are consistently and reliably able to work that determines whether you receive ESA.

Original poster
Esaworry · 05/03/2019 16:03

It's sad because who knows what a few hours a week doing something g I love might lead to but I just don't think I can risk it.

When I had my ATOS assessment they told me I had good rapport because I wasn't rocking or self harming in the interview room.
God knows what they would make of me volunteering for a few hours.

OP posts:
flumpybear · 05/03/2019 16:08

I don't know but just wanted to say I hope you find a solution that helps you and the animals - will the Center Allow you to just pop in and help play with the animals?

Surely making toys is ok? Does it mean people can't knit poppies etc for charity too - the government are shit !!!

joangray38 · 05/03/2019 16:12

I was allowed to volunteer as my gp said it would be good for my mental health and help my depression. Fo and ask your dr if s/he will support you and that you need this interaction to improve and aid your m/h.

Original poster
Esaworry · 05/03/2019 16:14

You're right Flumpy. I'm sure I can make some bits (I'm good on a sewing machine and make beds, hammocks, dens for small animals) and take it in.

I'm not sure they would let me hang around unofficially as I think you have to have a CRB check?

OP posts:
Bellasorellaa · 05/03/2019 16:19

dont tell them
and i was on esa for a few years due to the same condition as you, getting out and doing stuff helps a lot

MrsJayy · 05/03/2019 16:19

I have been on disability benefits of different names for years I volunteer but ive always told them if i was you I would start volunteering say 3 hours see how you feel and contact them I wouldn't do it on the sly you have nothing to hide. I don't think in any of my assessments they questioned it once they contacted the manager of where I volunteer to sign a form but that was when ESA was called something else.

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