If working with LCWRA do l need to specifically choose a job that matches the descriptor I had?

Rumbler303

Hey there,

If I'm on LCWRA how important is this? E.g. if I choose a job that doesn't match the descriptor and still work for a bit with the LCWRA, is this fine? I presume though that if I come to a reassessment they would only then take it off me and not penalise me prior to that?

I suppose then I best be careful to choose a job that matches the descriptor before reassessment otherwise I'd imagine they would take it from me.

Thanks.

Kimi87

Doing a job that contradicts your LCWRA descriptor may count against you at your next review.

Any LCW/fit for work decision would apply to the date it was made, not any time period before.

Rumbler303

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1004262#Comment_1004262

The rules over this are somewhat pretty open, and there doesn't seem to be something that is written in law specifically about it.

It's essentially fine though to work in a job that contradicts and you won't get sanctioned/penalised for it? But it will just probably count against you and disqualify you in the future?

Basically I don't want to be found for benefit fraud — the rules are not as transparent so I'm just making sure.

Kimi87

With LCWRA you have no work commitments. So no sanctions would apply.

It is likely to count against you during a reassessment yes.

Rumbler303

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1004266#Comment_1004266

Thank you. If in future I ring the DWP and report that as a change of circumstance, would they still allow me to keep the LCWRA for the time up until reassessment if I did a job that didn't fit in my LCWRA?

Rumbler303

I thought I’d just give this a polite bump since I just want to be sure. I’m probably too conscience to be honest or overthinking it.

anisty

There's been a question on Benefits and Work site about permitted work on LCWRA and you can view the answers there without joining their site or registering.

It seems that it is not ok to work on LCWRA unless you run it by DWP first.

And one of the mods on that site who is very knowledgable says that is because when you applied for UC you made a declaration that you were not fit for work.

That wasn't the case when my son applied for UC. At least i don't think so. He went with his support worker to start the claim but his support worker (and I) thought he would get LCW. I don't think my son did say that he was unfit to work. DWP decided he was unfit. Wrongly, in my opinion.

I didn't want him to get LCWRA but the support worker said it was a good outcome as he could try things with no pressure. In his case, it must have been ok as DWP knew he had a little supported employment and the voluntary work; i had even chatted to someone from the JC about it and it was ok.

But i am concerned i might have given wrong advice to you.

Do you know more about this @Kimmy87? Does it depend on individual circumstances?

Kimi87

I'm not a trained benefits advisor, all I know is people do work on LCWRA.

Perhaps this is a question better answered by someone more professional.

https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

Rumbler303

I'll try to reach out to a local officer to see what they say, thank you.