Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Working while you claim
You can usually work while you are claiming ESA if both of the following apply:
- you work less than 16 hours a week
- you do not earn more than £183.50 a week
You can do as many hours of voluntary work as you like.
Tell Jobcentre Plus about your work including any volunteering when you make a claim.
If you’re already claiming ESA and want to start work, fill in the ESA permitted work form. Send the form to Jobcentre Plus.