Hi, my name is Banafsheh_123! Will working trigger a new LCWRA assessment?

Banafsheh_123

I currently receive Universal Credit with LCWRA and PIP.

I have been offered a zero-hours contract in a kitchen environment. I would probably work around one shift per week, earning approximately £100 per shift (£400-£500 per month).

I have read that people with LCWRA are allowed to work if they feel able to do so, and that starting work should not automatically trigger a reassessment unless their health condition changes

My concern is not about my Universal Credit reducing because of earnings. My concern is whether accepting this job could trigger a Work Capability reassessment or put my LCWRA award at risk.

Based on my circumstances, do you think working one shift per week on a zero-hours contract is likely to cause problems with my LCWRA or PIP?

Would I need to report this to PIP, or only to Universal Credit

Thank you.

Rosie_Scope

Hey @Banafsheh_123, welcome to the community ☺️

What you've read is right, starting work wouldn't automatically trigger a new assessment.

However, if the reasons that you're in the LCWRA group go against the type of work that you'd be doing, this is where things can start to get a little difficult.

So for example, someone might claim LCWRA for a painful back issue where they couldn't stand for long periods of time. If that person started work in a job where there was lots of physical activity, Universal Credit may question it and suggest reassessment.

You wouldn't need to report your work to PIP, as your earnings don't affect the payments.

Have you tried this kind of work before or would it be all new for you?

Banafsheh_123

@Rosie_Scope Hi, thank you for your reply.

From my UC50 form, the main difficulties I described were related to my mental health, including severe anxiety, panic attacks, depression, difficulty coping with unexpected changes, social anxiety, difficulty going out alone, and feeling overwhelmed in unfamiliar situations. I also explained how my past experience of domestic abuse has affected my confidence and ability to cope with daily life.

My LCWRA award was mainly based on these mental health difficulties rather than a physical condition that prevents me from standing or moving.

I have not worked in this type of role before, so it would be new to me. If I do decide to try working, I would only be looking at starting very slowly, perhaps one or two days a week, in a supportive environment. The role would be in a bakery kitchen rather than a customer-facing position

I am hoping that trying a small amount of work in a supportive setting might help me rebuild confidence and see what I am realistically able to manage, while still being mindful of my anxiety and panic symptoms.

Thank you for any advice