Can I do suitable part time paid work when on UC and LCWRA

Yeovilboy1

Hello, I wonder if anyone can help.

I have been gaining UC along with additional payment for being in the LCWRA group, which means that I am not presently required to look for work or do work related activities. 

I am wondering if I can do any appropriate part time paid work without my current UC and LCWRA payments being at all effected. I believe there may be a work allowance for someone in my position.

I am aware I can do volunteering, which is good. I think that a few suitable paid hours per week could be good for my health and aid my recovery, though I do not want to jeopardise my current benefit position, which makes an essential difference for me.

Thank you.

poppy123456

There's no maximum amount of hours you can work or maximum amount of earnings you can receive. People do work while claiming LCWRA.

However, if the work you do contradicts the reasons why you were found to have LCWRA then it could go against you when you're next reassessed.

You will have the work allowance, which means that a certain amount of earnings will be ignored before the 55% deductions apply.

If you claim for help with the rent the work allowance is £344, if you don't it's £573.

If you do start working you must report a change of circumstances.

Yeovilboy1

Thank you Poppy. That is very clear. May I also ask if there are timescales for reassessments or if these can be instructed at any time by DWP. Thank you, David.

calcotti

They can be done at any time. DWP will have a note on your file with a recommended reassessment date but these are frequently missed and at the moment all reassessments are, as I understand it, on hold.

Yeovilboy1

Thank you Calcotti, much appreciated, David.

Yeovilboy1

Hi Poppy / Calcotti,

You have been really helpful thank you. Just one final thing if I may. As I get help with rent, my work allowance is £344.  Whilst bearing in mind the considerations you have clarified, am I permitted to keep any amount of earnings I may get up to £344 per month AND retain the entirety of the UC and LCWRA benefits I receive. 

Thank you very much. David 

calcotti

Yeovilboy1 said:..am I permitted to keep any amount of earnings I may get up to £344 per month AND retain the entirety of the UC and LCWRA benefits I receive. 

Yes. The Work Allowance means that earnings up to that amount are completely ignored.