COA - volunteer/unpaid work

Hello,

If you apply for an EEA2 residence card and your COA cannot confirm the right to work - can you do volunteer work or unpaid work, or are you literally meant to sit there and do nothing for 3-6 months? I can't seem to find any official information on this.

Also, how long does it typically take to receive a COA after you apply for a EEA2 residence card?

Thanks!
Marcus

(Ps Mods, I made a new thread as this is a different topic, but please merge if you think necessary).