ESA & Permitted Work

How does Permitted Work count for or against one in the ESA testing process?
I've been doing occasional busking, (therapeutic for my hands,) for several years, having filled in a form PW1 before I started, as an IB claimant.
It's uniquely suited for my condition- it's available at short notice, it's only two hours at a time, and it exercises my arthritic fingers. All my meagre earning have been declared for income tax.

Will this count against me during the ESA assessment procedure? Should I keep quiet about it?

Thanks for any advice anyone can give...

Hi,

We wouldn't advise anyone to withold information in connection with a claim for benefits.

The fact that you do permitted work will not initself count against you. However, any actiities you are able to undertake in the course of that work will be taken into account. So, for example, your ability to travel, arrive at a pitch at the allocated time, stand or sit, concentrate, play an instrument etc. can all be taken into account by the health professional.

God luck,

Steve

Many thanks, Steve.
I suppose that the testing will assume that as I can travel, stand and play on the few days a year when my variable condition permits, I can do these things indefinitely on any day of the year?
I wonder how I go about convincing them of the truth- that I do these busks to keep myself in touch with the world of work, and to celebrate my rare good days, rather than to earn the money (which is substantially less than the minimum wage?)

When you're asked questions at your assessment, you must answer them truthfully, but you can choose to give the information most helpful to you first before you get cut off if the HCP is in a hurry. Putting the words first that describe the frequency and difficulty and then the activity makes sure that you don't get cut off before you can mention them.

Thankyou, very helpful advice!