My friend is claiming ESA and working!
I have a friend who recently let slip that she is being paid for a job she claims is volunteer work. She is on ESA for depression and pays for very little to support herself. Everything seems to be covered by benefits. The thought of her claiming this ESA and working cash in hand drives me crazy. I honestly feel the urge to report her. Anyone had an experience like this? What would you do?
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That or have no integrity and just rant to strangers.
True though. You're no friend of hers if you're considering dobbing her in.
I don't know, maybe law abiding tax payers should be more angry with companies like Amazon, yet they still spend their money there in their droves!
Really you are not a friend if you report her. Why not just question her? Why even vent on a forum ?! Bizarre.
I hope she appreciates a friend like you.
I'd actually suggest printing that out and showing that to her and say it's best to stick within those guidelines otherwise there's the risk of an investigation, benefit sanctions and prosecution and say if she wants advice then she'd better go to her nearest Citizens Advice Bureau office. I'd leave it at that and I wouldn't personally report her.
What a friend you are.
As already said on this thread, you can claim and work.
You can also claim JSA and work. *sits and waits for you to get all angry and 'outraged'*
Oh and sorry to burst your little "law abiding taxpayers" bubble. We're all taxpayers, income tax is not the only form of tax and taxation is not the only form of income for the government.
The government and media hype over the "welfare state" is nothing more than divide and rule and smoke and mirrors. One day you will open your eyes to it.
I thought everyone had woken up to the "honest hardworking taxpayers" vs "feckless, workshy dole scroungers" smoke screen. Clearly I was wrong.
If that is the case and they find out her benefits will be suspended and it will be investigated if she is found of fraud then she can be taken to court and prosecuted. - this does happen and generally if it does then she is more then likely be black listed for X years and unable to apply for further benefits etc - this does happen.
She then will have to pay back X amount.
However if she is part of the supported work program then good luck to her, however at the end of the 52 weeks she must have a contingency plan of "what do i do now".
If you are to report her you must have clear evidence that she is committing fraud, if she is not (work program) and she has mental health etc this can exacerbate the situation.
As a mental health employment consultant in my opinion I would double check you facts before doing anything rash, you may not know the full story. What people tell you to what is the truth can be a lot different.
You asked.
A friend isn't someone who would inform on them behind their back, possibly getting them into hardship and trouble.
I might expect it from a nosey vindictive neighbour or enemy, but not from a friend.
The least you could do is discuss it with her, telling her of your disapproval.
I used to claim ESA and volunteer for a charity, and I was paid various expenses. It could have looked dodgy to an outsider as I was often receiving cheques with values as high as about £50, but it was all for genuine expenses incurred.
Seek first to understand, then to be understood, and all that....