Work and Lcwra

asmkq

Hello, I have been offered a part time job, where the hours could go up to 24 hours a week.
I am on Lcwra and trying to help myself by trying to go to work even though I’m still not sure it is the right thing for me to do. I do not know if this is going to set me back.
If I try it and it does affect my mental health would I still be able to get Lcwra or do I notify them and then only receive UC? I’m not sure how it works. Thanks in advance

poppy123456

LCWRA is part of UC and is included in your maximum UC entitlement. It's an ongoing award until a new decision says otherwise. There are people that work and continue LCWRA. If you start working whether there's any entitlement to UC will depend on how much earnings you receive during your monthly assessment period.

You will also be entitled to the work allowance. This means you can receive a certain amount of earnings each month before the 55% deductions apply. If you claim for help with the rent your work allowance will be £379/month, if you don't it will be £631/month. See link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-work-allowances/universal-credit-work-allowances

If you start working you must report a change of circumstances and tell them you're working. If you have access to a journal you can do this on there.

Do be aware though that if the work you do contradicts the reasons why you're claiming LCWRA then it could go against you when you're next reviewed.

You can use a benefits calculator to see how much UC you maybe entitled to if you  work. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator

asmkq

Thank you for your reply. I was awarded Lcwra for not being able to work or being ready for work. 

I don’t know if I am capable unless I try. I have my doubts and just don’t want to get into trouble with anything or not be able to be entitled to Lcwra again. 

Shall I just explain this to them in my journal? Thanks 

poppy123456

You were found to have LCWRA because your health conditions mean you satisfied at least one of the LCWRA descritptors. You can see those here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

You don't need to explain anything on your journal. You just need to report a change of circumstances and tell them you're working but please don't do that until you actually start work, not before.

asmkq

Thank you so much Poppy! When you say don’t report a change until I actually start work, is there a time limit on when I should report the change? Because what if my circumstances remain or get worse but I have already reported the change? 

poppy123456

The rules say that changes need to be reported when they happen. If you do start working and then find that you're unable to continue then simply report the changes that you've stopped working. Nothing will happen and you won't get into trouble because you've already been found to have LCWRA. You can't be sanctioned for quiting work.

asmkq

Thank you for taking the time to message me back Poppy, I appreciate it. 

poppy123456

You're welcome.