People on disability benefits could see payments cut for volunteering

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Benefit claimants that take on volunteer work need to let the DWP know

People receiving money from benefits are able to take on volunteer work, but four specific payments may be affected and the Department for Work and Pensions will need to be informed. In some cases it the extra work could count in the claimant’s favour while others might face reassessments and reduced payments depending on the nature of their volunteer work.

Volunteer work is defined as unpaid work for someone other than a close relative, but may be paid for out-of-pocket expenses like travel or childcare costs. Overall, Citizens’ Advice notes: “You can volunteer while claiming benefits, as long as you keep to the conditions of the benefits you get.

"Check the rules about volunteering for the benefit you claim