The Autumn Statement 2023

raspberrysorbet66

This is all so confusing. I’ve seen a few people mention now that if you already have LCWRA then you’ll never face another WCA again? Is this correct, I assume it can’t be, I also assume that if not there will be something equally as cruel to take its place. … in the meantime, what can we do, who can we write to, can we campaign. Why OH why are we always set upon? 

mason50

Is limited capacity to work addition money the same as LCWRA ? 

poppy123456

mason50 said:

Is limited capacity to work addition money the same as LCWRA ? 

Limited Capability for Work. (LCW) For those that started their claim after April 2017 do not receive any extra money.

Albus_Scope

UPDATE;
Scope have made an official statement on the main Scope website, which you can all read here. 
I suggest everyone has a quick read. 

mason50

poppy I got my award before 2017 . Does that mean the government will force need to go back to work?

Albus_Scope

Hey @mason50 there will be no plans to force you back to work if you are already LCWRA. They are only talking about universal credit here, no other benefits have been mentioned.   Please try not to worry too much about any of this. 

poppy123456

mason50 said:

poppy I got my award before 2017 . Does that mean the government will force need to go back to work?

No, not at all. Being forced to work only applies to job seekers. It doesn't apply to those that have been found to have either LCW or LCWRA. Which is WRAG or Support Group for ESA.

poppy123456

Albus_Scope said:

Hey @mason50 there will be no plans to force you back to work if you are already LCWRA.

It also applies to those that have LCW, not just for those that have LCWRA.

mason50

thank you everyone . I’ve been in a right mess over all of this . You are all such a great support . With the limited capability for work addition does this abs being in the support group for esa and have been for years will I stlll get the same money when I get my migration letter to change to UC ? I also get tax credits . Sorry for keep asking questions I just panic 

poppy123456

mason50 said:

thank you everyone . I’ve been in a right mess over all of this . You are all such a great support . With the limited capability for work addition does this abs being in the support group for esa and have been for years will I stlll get the same money when I get my migration letter to change to UC ? I also get tax credits . Sorry for keep asking questions I just panic 

I just realised i advised you yesterday about this. You said you're in the Support Group for ESA. As i advised, for UC purposes this is the same as LCWRA and not LCW. When you migrate to UC you will be entitled to the LCWRA element from the start of your claim. You will not need to go through another WCA.

Skyla

How does it affect those on the health/higher element on UC and PIP..instarted receiving it last April as had to appeal which took years. It's all confusing and am unable to sleep since all of the ongoing threats. I'm bedridden with ME and severe widespread pain so apologies if I'm not understanding all of this. Scope, you are wonderful and a Godsend to all of us..your help is so appreciated ❤️ 

poppy123456

Skyla said:

How does it affect those on the health/higher element on UC and PIP..instarted receiving it last April as had to appeal which took years. It's all confusing and am unable to sleep since all of the ongoing threats. I'm bedridden with ME and severe widespread pain so apologies if I'm not understanding all of this. Scope, you are wonderful and a Godsend to all of us..your help is so appreciated ❤️ 

It doesn't apply. The changes to the WCA only applies to new claims after 2025, if it goes ahead at all. With a general election next year the plans may not go ahead. At the moment there's nothing for us to worry about. 

Scope have made a statement which you can see here. https://www.scope.org.uk/news-and-stories/how-the-2023-autumn-statement-will-affect-disabled-people/

Skyla

Thanks, it helps to have it clarified. I'm unable to read long scripts about it all with ME and severe pain as I can't take it all in on a bad day so just reading what you've explained is helpful. Thank you again. Panicking def doesn't help but it's inevitable so my thoughts are with all affected. 

mason50

 thanks poppy . I don’t take information in very well so I ask lots of questions . 

Skyla

Hi Mason, I'm the same...it's all very daunting and overwhelming to take in. I've only just joined this forum..Scope are amazing aren't they. 

mason50

They are really amazing and helpful . The autumn statement left me so scared I haven’t slept .

Skyla

mason50 said:

They are really amazing and helpful . The autumn statement left me so scared I haven’t slept .

So sorry to hear this Mason, same here. Thank goodness for Scope 🙏  I've stopped listening to any news or reading about it for now and only focus on what Scope say for now as anxiety and stress make symptoms worse so that might help too. 

mason50

Yes I’m only going to listen to scope from now on . The media like to make people worried 

Skyla

mason50 said:

Yes I’m only going to listen to scope from now on . The media like to make people worried 

Definitely...I got myself so stressed and anxious for days so it's good to have a strategy. Just don't read all the stories or negative sites..everything gets clarified here. I know it won't take away the stress as obviously it's on everyone's mind but we can limit or filter stuff...you'll be ok:) 

Albus_Scope

Thank you for the lovely words @Skyla and @mason50 that's very sweet of you.

Sorry to hear it's causing you sleepless nights though, please remember that nothing is set in stone yet and there's a general election looming. So things could change very quickly.