Volunteering, Will It Effect Esa?

[Baby_Sham]

Hi, I'm currently receiving Employment Support Allowance and have been signed off by my doctor "for the foreseeable future".
The kids go back to school in September and I was thinking about doing some volunteering in a homeless shelter, as this is something I've done before.

My issue is, will the DWP think me doing this is a sign that I am actually able to work and stop my ESA?

I'm only thinking a few hours a week, but I think it would be good for my mental wellbeing to get out and do something.

[Baby_Sham]

P.S I have to pop out now, but will be back later (not being rude). TIA

[keithlbw]

Information you need is here , SECTION 12 .
http://dwp.gov.uk/docs/dwp015.pdf

[wolf63]

I was on Incapacity Benefit which changed into ESA and I have been working on a voluntary basis since 2006. I wrote to the DWP and they said that it was okay for me to do this.

Good luck if you decide to do the voluntary work ~ it can be fun and you meet loads of new (and sometimes strange) people.

[Baby_Sham]

Thanks for the answers, and apologies for the late reply.

I've now got myself a volunteering 'job' which I will start in Sept, and it won't affect my ESA. Thanks again.