LCWRA

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Perseus93

hello everyone,

Thanks for taking the time to read my query.
due to my debilitating mental health I sign on to uc and esa starting 16th feb 2024( and started providing sick notes too) on the 27th June I got a letter saying I have lcwra so I think it means I won’t be pressured to find work until I’m mentally and emotionally stable. Is this correct? Also, I struggle with the stress of the uk it’s a bit too fast paced for me at times and I get bored. My second question is, am I allowed to leave the country? If so for how long and who do I have to notify, do I write it in the journal thing. Do I need to tell them my dates of travel, where I’m going, why I’m going etc? Sorry lastly, will I get paid less than my esa which is like £181 every 2 weeks as I have direct debits that come out and I’m worried my payment dates will change and/or I’ll get less.

sorry I’m neurodivergent(new word I learned😆) so sorry to waffle thanks so much. Have a great day whoever reads this!

poppy123456

Your ESA will increase to £138.20/week from the 14th week of your claim. The money that's deducted from your UC for the ESA will also increase.

For UC you will be entitled to the LCWRA element from the 4th month after you provided your first fit note, if there were no gaps in your fit notes until a decision was made.

Yes you can travel out of the country for up to 1 month. The day you leave and come home are not counted. As you have LCWRA for UC then you have no work commitments. You do not need to tell them you're going because you have no commitments. If you're away for longer than 1 month then UC will end.

Your ESA will also continue while you're away.