LCWRA - Going back to work question

DataMat

Hi

I am on lcwra (UC) and have been since August 2023. So nearly a year now.

I want to go back to work, I feel it's possible and in the longer term will do me good

My feeling right now is take the plunge, take the risk, and just go for it. I am physically in appearance fine and I am capable of work, my problems seem to he fluctuating anxiety attacks.

I think I got lcrwa because i could I got the substantial risk category of the assessment criteria. Obviously I'm not sure and that probably just part of the reason of course.

The job is working in a large warehouse late evening into early mornings and is something like 30-35 hours a week.

I want to give it a go and see if I can stay in this job and do ok, after a week, a month, and God willing, a dozen months (all good!).

I know if I become employed and start working I will have to report that change and I will do so promptly and honestly.

Can anyone enlighten me on what may or may not happen? Do I have to report a change of health condition for example?I i don't believe my health has changed. Most support is really coming from people like my Mum and step dad and sister who've on more than a few occasions helped 'rescue' me when I've had a really bad episode or whatever. I am going to reengage with my doctors and absolutely get to the bottom of my issues one way or another. But fundamentally I feel staying in a house so much is going to do more harm to myself in the long term. I feel the time is right now to push myself a bit and see what I am capable of.

I had a short induction (won't be paid unless I start properly - turn up - next week on first shift). I had told them I had autism and have recent history of bad anxiety and some mild issues with my eyesight (i do wear glasses of course in the workplace!). They didn't comment on this though but it's on their record.

I am not bothered that i eventually come off lcwra because I am grateful that it was there this last year in what has been a very difficult time for me. My worry or concern i guess is making sure I do things by the book as dwp want them. So do I need to report a change of health condition? Like I say I am still the same person, I'm just wanting to 'experiment' and see where I am now. I really won't know how I feel until I've actually done at least a couple of shifts and perhaps a few weeks.

Is there any circumstance where lcwra just stops flat dead? Is there a significant risk that they flag you for a fast track reassessment? Would it actually matter? I'd like to think dwp would be happy I am using my own initiative and pushing myself before they inevitably try to push me in the future.. so logic tells me I've little to worry about.

I would really appreciate any support with this. Thank you!

poppy123456

You do not need to report a change of health condition because you said that hasn’t changed.

As you’re aware once you start working you will need to report a change of circumstances and then click work and earnings.

You will have the work allowance which means some of your earnings that you receive will be ignored before the deductions apply. If you claim for help with the rent it will be £404/month, if you don’t it will be £673/month. For every £1 over those amounts your UC reduces by 55p.

LCWRA element won’t just stop if there’s some entitlement to UC. If earnings reduce your UC to zero it will remain open for 6 months. After that time your UC will close. Good luck with the job.

DataMat

Thank you poppy123456 for helpful advice.

Adrian_Scope

Congratulations and all the best with the job @DataMat. I hope it goes well.