Are you allowed to do charity work [ no pay ]?

Question

if you are on benefits. I am just wondering. So many young people here on benefit complaining their lifes are empty, they are bored. I was just thinking why can they not help out at old peoples homes or something in return for the money they receive. Most of them seem to hang about in their friends homes anyway so they can take turns in looking after the kids while they do something to enrich their life's with. Am i being unreasonable, would they like my idea , just wondering..

Answer 1

Unpaid work can be undertaken without threat to benefit as long as a claimant can show that they are still actively seeking work and that they are available for work for a minimum of 40 hours per week.

A claimant will need to inform Jobseekers Allowance that they are doing such work (a letter from the charity would suffice) and make it clear that if a job is identified they can take it up immediately.

I'm not sure how many young people have a sense of responsibility to society but good luck with your idea anyway.

Answer 2

Now this is a long time ago but I was told I couldn't do charity work whilst on benefit because I couldn't then be classed as available for work and they would stop my money. That was in the late eighties but I somehow doubt things have changed. Luckily I got a job very quickly.

Answer 3

Yes, they are not only allowed to do charity work, it is encouraged by the job service as it helps to build up work experience dealing with the public etc.

Answer 4

Yes u may do Charity Work! It help u to make more frendz that is suffer lot of sickess!

Answer 5

yes u can but i would tell the job centre when u got there just in case

Answer 6

anyone is allowed to do charity work

Answer 7

...charitywork dependes on the mindset.

Answer 8

i dont think most of them would do it cous their lazy

Answer 9

Ask the D.H.S.S