Looking for Work with LCWRA

IsThisReal

Hi
I receive UC, have LCWRA and some ESA (new style?) plus PIP, high care, normal mobility.

The PIP is about to end and I am thinking about working. 

Would I be able to apply for jobs now or would that get me in trouble with my benefits as they currently are?

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @IsThisReal

Can I ask, do you currently live in England or Wales? Scope has amazing Employment Support Services that would be able to help  

IsThisReal

Hi Hannah, I am in England, thanks for answering.

chiarieds

There's no problem with PIP as you can claim that & work. For both UC & ESA you'd need to inform them when you start working. With New style ESA there's some info here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-permitted-work-form/permitted-work-factsheet As you will see you can work for less than 16 hours a week, & earn no more than £167 a week (after tax & N.I. contributions). more than these limits & your ESA will end. This is the PW1 form you'd need to complete: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1148680/permitted_work_factsheet_PW1_04_23.pdf

You can work as many hours as you wish with UC; it's your ESA that will limit you, tho your ESA is reduced £ for £ & this deducted from UC.

With your UC you have what's called a work allowance, this is either £379 a month if you also get help with your housing costs, or £631 if you don't. Anything above these limits & 55p is deducted for each £1 over that you earn. Please see: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-your-earnings-affect-your-payments

However, with both PIP & UC, if any work you do contradicts the reason for these claims, it could go against you when reviewed.

You can apply for jobs, but remember to report if you start working.

IsThisReal

Thanks @chiarieds.

It's that last sentence I concerned about, I do have LCWRA, both in UC and the real world but I am frightened this will be interpreted as me surrendering that 'status'.
I applied for a 16 hours a week job in Tesco and they wanted proof of right to work. For me this would be a dwp letter, so I am immediately panicked and withdrew the application thinking they would initiate the chain of events in the above paragraph.

IsThisReal

Yeah i mean if I started work I wouldnt expect to retain LCWRA anyway. 

My enquiry is about the consequences of looking for work, or essentially participating in Work Related Activity, while being regarded as LCWRA. 

chiarieds

People do work & have LCWRA, but if the work you did went against the descriptor that was the reason for having this, then it's only with that that it could be problematic at review. There's nothing to stop you looking for work.

2oldcodgers

bobby123 said:

You need to be careful when working with lcwra I know someone who worked weekends at Argos and there lcwra was rejected at renewal

Once you have your foot in the door when working, it would open up a lot of other opportunities.
Working means independence and not having to think about DWP forms and assessments.