There are lots of misunderstandings about what you can and can’t do while claiming benefits, especially when it comes to learning and education. These myths can hold people back from building skills, gaining confidence, or taking positive steps toward employment.
To help clear things up, we’re sharing some straightforward facts about job seeking and adult education, so you can make informed decisions about your future without worrying unnecessarily about your benefits.
Q: If I help somewhere as a volunteer, will it mess with my benefits?
No, volunteering is allowed while claiming benefits, as long as:
- You still meet the conditions of your claim (e.g. attending appointments, job searching if
- required).
- You’re not being paid for the volunteering.
Example: You volunteer at a charity shop for 4 hours a week. You still attend your jobcentre appointments and look for work; your Universal Credit continues as normal.
Why it helps: Volunteering builds confidence, improves communication and teamwork skills, and gives you experience to add to your CV, helping you move closer to employment.
Q: If I start a course, will they think I’m not looking for work and stop my benefits?
Not necessarily. You can study and still receive benefits, especially if:
- The course is part-time or flexible.
- You continue to meet your work-related requirements.
Example: You start a part-time hairdressing course two days a week and continue job searching on other days. Your Work Coach agrees it fits with your claim, so your Universal Credit continues.
Why it helps: Learning new skills or gaining qualifications can improve your job prospects, boost confidence, and help you move into a career you enjoy.
Q: If I’m on ESA, does that mean I can never work again?
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 £195.50 a week
Example: You work 10 hours a week doing admin tasks from home and earn £122 per week, under the £195.50 per week limit. You report this to DWP and continue receiving ESA under permitted work rules. (You must inform DWP using the ESA Permitted Work form. If you exceed the limits, ESA payments may stop, and you may need to reapply).
Why it helps: Permitted work lets you test your ability to work, build routine, and gain experience, without losing your benefit support.
Q: Can I work less than 16 hours a week and still keep my benefits?
Yes, you can work part-time and still receive benefits. You should check your individual circumstances by using a better off calculator. We suggest using this website:www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
Example: You work 7.5 hours a week as a midday assistant and earn £100/week. Your Universal Credit payment reduces slightly, but you still receive some benefit support.
Why it helps: Part-time work builds your CV, gives you income, and can lead to more opportunities, while still keeping benefit support in place.
How can ACL support you to gain new skills?
- FREE* English, Maths, and Digital courses
- Qualifications in high-demand sectors (e.g. Health & Social Care, Education, IT, Business)
- 12-week Skills Bootcamp with guaranteed job interview
- Bursary supported Sector-Specific Pathways (Health & Social Care, Early Years & Education)
- Supported Learning for those with learning difficulties and disabilities
