Hi has anyone not realized they had to declare permitted work to dwp? Had it happen to me today via a compliance phone interview. Wondering what the penalty will be as all my earnings have been below threshold
Providing you have worked within the hours and earnings restrictions, less than 16 hours a week the earnings limit changes each year but is currently £125.50 a week then it's unlikely that the DWP will do any more than tell you off.
However, if you have not been within the limits or they do not consider the work that you are doing meets their definition of PW then you could be asked to pay the ESA back for the period that you have been working. It is very rare for the latter to apply but I have seen it happen.
There is also the issue of whether your doing the PW indicates an improvement in your conditions that you have not reported, this could also lead to an overpayment.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
