Newsline Autumn 2016

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Welfare: Volunteering and your State Benefits What is volunteering? This is when you choose to give your time and energy to benefit other people without being paid for it. You could do voluntary work with any kind of organisation, including a charity, voluntary organisation or community group. It’s not volunteering if you: help out a family member; are given money apart from your expenses, or; are under contract to do it (this does not include any ‘volunteer agreement’ you may have).

What if I choose not to get paid for my work? Choosing not to be paid is not the same as volunteering. If you’re doing what someone would normally be paid for; for example, if you’re working in a business or for a member of your family where they would usually pay someone to do the work, this will class this as unpaid work.

Why Volunteer? Volunteering helps other people and can also help you in many ways to learn new skills and become more confident.

Will Volunteering Affect My Benefits? If you’re getting State benefits, you can be a volunteer in the UK and, in nearly all cases, your benefits will not be affected. If you wish to volunteer abroad, your benefits can in some cases be affected. You should check this before you decide to go. You can volunteer as many hours as you like while you’re getting benefits as long as you keep to the rules. Here are some pointers to these rules: Employment and Support Allowance - You can still be a volunteer and get Employment and Support Allowance as long as you continue to have limited capability for work and you attend work-focused interviews when asked to by Jobcentre Plus. If you’re getting ESA, you must always talk to Jobcentre Plus before you start any volunteering. It’s important to make Jobcentre Plus aware of any restrictions you have to being in the work-place e.g. number of hours, and any allowances that have been made for you, such as time off at short notice, so that you continue to demonstrate limited capability for work.

Personal Independence Payment/Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance - Volunteering in the UK won’t affect your PIP, DLA or AA. There is no requirement to notify the Disability Benefits Centre if you start work, however you must continue to meet the same daily living needs and have the same difficulties with your mobility to continue to receive these benefits. You should tell the Disability Benefits Centre if your care needs or walking difficulties change. Jobseekers Allowance - You can volunteer and receive Jobseekers Allowance as long as you are still looking for and available for paid work. You must be free to go to an interview if given 48 hours' notice. You must be able to start work within one week of being given notice. If you’re getting JSA, you must always talk to Jobcentre Plus before you start any volunteering. Pension Credit - Being a volunteer in the UK should not affect your Pension Credit. Working Tax Credit - You have to be in paid work for at least a set number of hours a week to get Working Tax Credit. The hours you volunteer don’t count towards your weekly working hours. Being a volunteer will not change how much Working Tax Credit you get. Child Tax Credit - The amount of Child Tax Credit you get is based on your income. You may get it, whether or not you work, if you or your partner is responsible for a child or young person who normally lives with you. Being a volunteer will not change how much Child Tax Credit you get. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction - You can still get Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction if you meet the criteria above for being classed as a volunteer. You must tell your local council about any volunteering. If you are unsure about how volunteering will affect your benefits, you should speak to a welfare rights adviser before you start. Further information is available at www.gov.uk


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