Hi, will I lose my LCWRA that I am entitled to if I earn over a certain wage?

Vanessa2508
Vanessa2508 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener
edited June 2023 in Universal Credit (UC)
Hi. I have been awarded LCWRA this week. I am planning to start work on Monday the contract is for 25 hours per week if I am able to sustain it, will I lose my LCWRA that I am entitled to if I earn over a certain wage. I am very worried about it after I have waited a long time to receive it. Please can anyone advise. 

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    There's no maximum amount of hours you're allowed to work while claiming LCWRA, part of UC. Once you start working, you will need to report a change of circumstances and tell them you're working.

    You will have the work allowance, which means a certain amount of earnings you receive each month will be ignored before the 55% deductions apply. If you claim for help with the rent it will be £379/month, if you don't it will be £631/month.

    Please also be aware that if the work you do contradicts the reasons why you were found to have LCWRA then it may go against you when you have your next review.
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    Hi @Vanessa2508 and a warm welcome to our online community, congrats on the new job! 

    I hope Poppy's response has clarified how these hours will impact your LCWRA and lessened any worry you have. If you have any other questions, please ask away.

    PS: I've amended the title of your thread and moved it to our Universal Credit (UC) category to help make it more visible for others.

    Wishing you the very best.
  • Vanessa2508
    Vanessa2508 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener
    Thankyou for your reply. I read somewhere if I earned a certain amount my LCWRA would be taken away. So worried. 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    Vanessa2508 said:
    Thankyou for your reply. I read somewhere if I earned a certain amount my LCWRA would be taken away. So worried. 

    Where ever you read that too, it's not correct.
  • Vanessa2508
    Vanessa2508 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener
    Hi when I phoned up U/C this evening they said my wages cannot exceed £127 per week if it does then I will lose my LCWRA 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    edited June 2023
    Vanessa2508 said:
    Hi when I phoned up U/C this evening they said my wages cannot exceed £127 per week if it does then I will lose my LCWRA 

    That's not correct and i have no idea where they got that figure from. Please be aware that when you ring the UC helpline you're speaking to someone from a call centre who very often has very little knowledge of the benefits system.
    The advice i gave you earlier today is correct. Please see link for information about the work allowance, which i advised above. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-work-allowances/universal-credit-work-allowances
    UC is based on earnings received during your monthly assessment period. The more earnings you receive over the work allowance, the less UC you'll be entitled to. The less you receive, the more UC you'll be entitled to.
    What your entitlement will be once you start working will depend on how much earnings you receive and what your maximum UC entitlement is.

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