Unable to try...

My brother is currently receiving ESA along with the Support Group component. He has been receiving this benefit for many years now due to him suffering with extreme anxiety and depression. In addition, he has recently been diagnosed with Aspergers as well. His social life and ability to interact with people are affected greatly. In truth, I worry whether he’ll ever be able to function in society along with the rest of us.

That said, he reads a lot, and in my eyes is quite smart.

I’ve been trying to encourage him to start writing, try something new, maybe with a view of trying to get published, and who knows… maybe even one day start to earn a living. His Aspergers more often than not would stop him from trying new things - I’ve been trying for a couple of years now without success - his illness simply makes it impossible. Maybe one day...

But, I have a worry. If one day I am able to succeed and get my brother to have a go, to push himself, to try... If you’re claiming benefits, how do you try without getting your benefits stopped? The only way I can think of is to work for free. But then, even being seen to be trying might be seen as ability, and your benefits stopped.

It’s concerning. How do you get off the ground? To me, the system is very flawed.

I am doing permitted work Bluebear, a pathetic amount in all honesty and I have similar issues to your brother and it's not been easy, but I find it therapeutic to have some purpose in life. Your brother can earn up to £131.50 per week but need to be very careful not to go over that.

@Gordon I work a pitiful amount of hours, last tax year less than £1000. I'm in ESA support group. Given that it's self employed work can you advise what happens when UC is rolled out in my area? The stuff I read suggests it must be a "going concern" business, but I'm doing self employed because it's therapeutic work and the only way I could find something I could do from home (which was necessary in my case, I couldn't even find voluntary work to do at home!)

Thanks, Gordon. Would you happen to have a link to this specifically, please? Personally, I don't think my brother would be able to cope with it. But I'll have a look over it.

Thanks, Remix. Something to think about. It sounds complicated, and risky. I think my brother's illnesses will stock him from trying, anxiety, Aspergers and such. It's frustrating.