I went back to work but my condition has got worse

robbo2000

Hi all,

I’m on universal credit and LCWRA.

I was feeling I would be able to return to do some work with adjustments in place, so became self-employed and worked 2-3 days per week for the last three months or so.

I have reported those earnings each month which significantly reduced my UC payments. All good, I wanted to get back to work as much as I could and didn’t want to rely on the benefits system to support me and my family.

However, as of the last few days, my condition has got worse and caused me the inability to work - my doctor has said I need to rest for the next 4 to 6 weeks.

As my earnings will be NIL on my next reporting day, there will be a big change/increase in my benefit payment.

As I am on LCWRA and the element that qualifies me for that benefit hasn’t changed, do I need to inform them by way of a message in my journal? Perhaps a short message just to say I have had a temporary blip in my mobility that means I can’t do the work I was doing? Or should I assume that this happens frequently with people trying to return to work and fluctuating payments are common place?

Rachel_Scope

Hi @robbo2000, sorry your health has taken a turn for the worse. It's great that you've been able to go self-employed, hopefully after the rest you'll be able to get back into it. I would always recommend putting a note in your journal just so they're aware.