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voluntary work

  • Clara
  • Topic Author
13 years 10 months ago #41828 by Clara
voluntary work was created by Clara
I am helping someone apply for ESA who does a small amount (1-2 hours) of voluntary work each week. He wonders whether it is best to mention this on his ESA50 or at his medical so as to seem as if he is making an effort, or whether if he mentions it he might look too much as though he is capable of work. Any thoughts welcome, please - thanks.

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  • Survivor
13 years 10 months ago #41829 by Survivor
Replied by Survivor on topic Re: voluntary work
He isn't obliged to show that he is making an effort to do anything, so I can't see what benefit there is to mentioning it. However, if he chooses to mention it, I think that it would be wise to be explicit so that it does not look as if he is doing a substantial amount of work and so that it is clear what sort of work it is so that inferences cannot be drawn as to whether it conflicts with anything in his claim (assuming that his work does not).

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13 years 10 months ago - 13 years 10 months ago #41830 by cdcdi1911
Replied by cdcdi1911 on topic Re:voluntary work
Hi Clara

Talking from personal experience, I mentioned on a medical form and at the medical that I was studying web design, for the very reason that you mentioned, to show that I am making an effort towards employment. Big mistake!

ATOS and DWP decision makers do not care about making an effort but only aim to apply the Work Capacity Assessment, so you need to consider whether assumptions can me made about the nature of the work undertaken.

For example, a wheelchair user could do a desk job without having to get up and walk. But if somebody with mental health problems works behind a till, assumptions could be made regarding memory and concentration, ability to complete tasks, learning new tasks, etc.

If you mention voluntary work that could in any way be used to justify not scoring points claimed on application, give a clear description of the tasks being carried out and any difficulty or limitations he has.

Hope this is helpful.

Derek
Last edit: 13 years 10 months ago by cdcdi1911.

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  • RachelPotter
13 years 10 months ago #41831 by RachelPotter
Replied by RachelPotter on topic Re:voluntary work
Hi all, I said I was capable of reading for 20 mins before I went to bed.

This itself was translated as 1. I can concentrate for 20 minutes and 2. I am physically capable of holding a book for 20 minutes.

Therefore I am obviously capable of getting a job!

Rachel

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  • Survivor
13 years 10 months ago #41833 by Survivor
Replied by Survivor on topic Re:voluntary work
I think that Derek and Rachel's personal experiences speak volumes about this, so it looks like you've got your answer, Clara.

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13 years 10 months ago #41881 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:voluntary work
Clara

Whilst I completely agree with the comments above, your friend needs to make sure that his volunteer work is not incompatible with their disability.

Also, whilst I can't find an explicit requirement, it does seem to be implied in the Decision Makers Handbook that he needs to inform his JCP that he is volunteering.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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