I am considering an offer of a small amount of work, which I will be able to do on computer at home (I have agoraphobia). I am in ESA support group.
I am awaiting DWP's form (PW1).
I plan to do this as self-employed.
Anyone have experience of doing this?
There is an approx £104 a week limit, but what about minor expenses? I may need new licence for a piece of software that I use.
I did a google of this and found a few comments from people who had been given some grief by DWP about their self-employed earnings. I won't bother if there is too much hassle as I suffer enough with anxiety as it is!
You will need to keep accounts which the DWP will probably audit on a regular basis, items purchased for the business would come under expenses which I would expect would be offset against your income.
There are two types of Permitted Work (PW) both of which have restrictions that you need to be aware of.
The PW Lower Earnings limit allows you work any number of hours but not earn more than £20 per week.
The PW Higher Earnings limit allows you to earn up to £104 per week, but restricts your working to 16 hours per week.
Exceeding these limits will mean that you will be considered as being remunerative work and your ESA claim will be closed so be careful to manage both your hours of work and earnings.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
