UC and starting work

Kate84

Hi, I am on UC, transferred over from ESA this year. I am in the LCRWA group so get the additional health payment. I am thinking of starting working a few hours a week from next year. Possibly 8-10 hours per week, earning minimum wage. I know I have to report the change of circumstances. If I report that I have started a part time job, could this trigger a WCA? I still have the health issues that I claim for (I also get PIP, the higher amounts), which is why I am only trying to work those hours. Would it be ok to say my health is still the same, but I am trying to do a bit of work? Just wondered if anyone else has done anything similar. Thanks :)

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Kate84, Starting work doesn't always trigger a new WCA, you can work and claim LCWRA at the same time. One thing to consider is whether the work goes against the reasons that you are claiming for LCWRA as that's when you might be reassessed.

So to give a crude example, if you were on LCWRA because you live with severe back pain, but your new job involved lots of heavy lifting, then that would likely cause concern should they review your claim.

If it's something that you can manage alongside your conditions or just want to try out to see how you go, then it shouldn't be too much of a problem as long as you're letting them know.

Hopefully one of our members has some recent experience that they can share too ☺️

Kate84

Thanks Rosie that's very helpful :)