Hello all!
Having peeked in here a few times, it seems to be full of useful info about all things benefits. So, I'm looking for a bit of advice here. I'm currently in receipt of ESA, and was assessed by ATOS in September 2012, 'passing' the test and moving into the higher rate payment bracket. Previous to this assessment (in August) I had undertaken some work - work which was, on my understanding, not to be paid work. This work was a training period, for which an agreement had been made that I would only be paid should I go on to complete the training period and enter into permanent employment with the company. Now, it has only recently came to light, after having had a close look at bank statements, that I was actually paid during the training period - despite not actually entering into permanent employment with the company.
It has so far been something that has not been brought to my attention by the DWP, but I'm guessing that by the end of the tax year, it will 'come to light'. Am I likely to simply have deductions made in order to pay back the ESA which was paid to me during the period for which I was paid by this company, or is it at all likely that I will have my benefit temporarily (or otherwise) stopped? Or, would it be more advisable to contact DWP myself and bring the paid work to their attention? I simply want to keep on 'the right side' of the DWP as far as this issue is concerned, as losing the benefit altogether could potentially mean going back on to the lower payment bracket, and having to be assessed again, et cetera.
Thanks for reading, and I'd be extremely grateful for any helpful advice on this one.
Having peeked in here a few times, it seems to be full of useful info about all things benefits. So, I'm looking for a bit of advice here. I'm currently in receipt of ESA, and was assessed by ATOS in September 2012, 'passing' the test and moving into the higher rate payment bracket. Previous to this assessment (in August) I had undertaken some work - work which was, on my understanding, not to be paid work. This work was a training period, for which an agreement had been made that I would only be paid should I go on to complete the training period and enter into permanent employment with the company. Now, it has only recently came to light, after having had a close look at bank statements, that I was actually paid during the training period - despite not actually entering into permanent employment with the company.
It has so far been something that has not been brought to my attention by the DWP, but I'm guessing that by the end of the tax year, it will 'come to light'. Am I likely to simply have deductions made in order to pay back the ESA which was paid to me during the period for which I was paid by this company, or is it at all likely that I will have my benefit temporarily (or otherwise) stopped? Or, would it be more advisable to contact DWP myself and bring the paid work to their attention? I simply want to keep on 'the right side' of the DWP as far as this issue is concerned, as losing the benefit altogether could potentially mean going back on to the lower payment bracket, and having to be assessed again, et cetera.
Thanks for reading, and I'd be extremely grateful for any helpful advice on this one.