Lone parent,on benefits. Been offered an exhibition-should it be declared?

[pod3030]

I am a Lone parent of a 2 yr old, claiming income support, child tax credit, and housing benefit after being left with nothing as house etc all in ex p's name.

My hobby is painting/art, and i have been offered a proper exhibition at an art gallery, where my work would be for sale.It would be a one off thing, for a month.
Is this classed as work? I'm not in a position to go self employed yet (though that is the long term goal for something else entirely)
What do I need to declare, if anything, and does anyone know how it will affect my benefits. thanks

I suppose you wouldn't need to say anything unless you actually earned any money but then if you did earn over what you receive in say income support then it may cause problems in that you might not be entitled anymore and then have to start a new claim?

Not sure about declaring it, don't know enough about the system, but if you do declare, make sure it's only for any earnings over and above your costs (in other words your net profit). How have you decided on your prices? Do you keep receipts for materials and other expenses?

You need to declare any income made on things produced with the intention to sell.

I would declare it.

I had to tell them when i began volunteering so it isnt just about the money you would be getting.

If this can be seen as a commercial venture then it would have to be declared. I think one or two paintings in an exhibition would be fine but a lot of paintings in a gallery for the purpose of selling would have to be declared.