Why don't I receive payment for lwc? Does pip automatically qualify me for lcwra?

brad1234

Hi, I am currently claiming lwc and have been for a while, I recently got awarded pip and was wondering if that should automatically qualify me for lwcra or not... and why I don't receive the payment for the lwc I am currently in receipt off, thankyou

poppy123456

A PIP award doesn't automatically entitle you to LCWRA they are different benefits, with different criteria. The reason you don't receive extra money for LCW is because for claims that started after April 2017 there's no extra money.

brad1234

Is it the claim for the lwc after April 2017 or for other means tested benefits, like universal credit and do u still get the payment if u get lwcra or has that changed aswell

poppy123456

LCW is part of UC and you would have needed to have reported your health condition and sent in a fit note with 7 days of that before the cut off date which was 3rd April 2017. See link for confirmation.

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/universal_credit_work_capability_assessment

For those that are found to have LCWRA then you'll receive an extra £354.28/month, providing you're not claiming UC with a partner that already receives this element on your claim.

brad1234

Even though I currently get lwc, wud I still have to apply again to try and get lwcra

poppy123456

If the decision on the WCA was made within the last 13 months you can challenge that decision by requesting the Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) before doing this you need to take a look at the descriptors to see if any apply to you. There's no point going forward with this if you don't qualify. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

Please be aware they will not take into consideration any worsening of condition.

brad1234

I think it was at the beginning of 2020, when I got awarded it

poppy123456

Then you're out of time to challenge that decision. You can report a change of circumstances for a worsening of condition and then you'll be referred for another WCA.

brad1234

Wud I have to go for another assessment and go through the whole process again if I was to apply again

poppy123456

You can’t reapply because you’re already claiming UC and been found to have LCW. If you report a change of health condition then you will be sent more forms and another assessment is most likely. 

brad1234

So I'd only be able to reapply if I report a change in circumstances, and then wud prob have to go for another assessment 

poppy123456

It’s nothing to do with reapplying. You need to report a change of circumstances. Yes, as advised another assessment is most likely because the process will start again. 

brad1234

Wud it be worth doing change of circumstances, as even though I get lwc cud they still deny me it after the assessment 

poppy123456

I can’t tell you if it’s worth reporting the changes because I don’t know how your conditions affect you. 

Yes, you could lose the LCW and be found fit for work. Or the decision could remain the same or be found to have LCWRA.

brad1234

Because work capability and pip aren't connected, can I still be found fit for work even though I get pip

poppy123456

Yes you can because as you correctly said, PIP and LCWRA are not the same.