LCW to LCWRA - confusion

hamij
hamij Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
edited November 6 in Universal Credit (UC)

Hello, i was awarded LCW in 2021 as was due a hip operation, last sick note was in 2021. I have other issues relating to my physical health. I tried self employment in 2023 but had to stop after six months due to arthritis in my thumb and was unable to do repetitive work, i love what i do and after the hip op had high hopes of working for myself but this wasnt to be. I had review of my LCW in March 2024 but didnt hear anything about the results. I asked my work coaches twice and the first coach in 2024 said they were taking ages and the other coach said in summer of 2025 it had probably went through. During this time i was advised that i should be getting ready to look for work and that my self employment was more of a hobby. It was suggested that shop work was the lowest form of employment i could endure. I was pretty horrified at this and said i had limitations. I updated my cv and enquired about jobs i could do so applied for some work (not shops) i thought i could manage. I took a job 5-10 hours a week.

In September i received a letter re: a telephone health assessment appointment for LCW. During this assessment i told them about the job i had taken and that i was trying to take steps to ascertain my capabilities. The assessment came back that i had LCWRA on 23rd October. I didnt request this health assessment and wondered if it was from my review in 2024??

II have been doing the few shifts at my job but have had extra training hours from September that were paid to me this month end of October. Because i was previously LCW this wouldnt have affected my LCW as there isnt the minimum income floor. As i am.now LCWRA, i have had money taken off my UC and there is no statement of LCWRA. I left a message and rang UC and the guy has said i need to wait for a 4 month Relevant Period and is applied to all awards of LCWRA.

IIm a bit apprehensive that this part time job will affect my claim. Im so confused about it all. Ive read that there shouldn't be a relevant period as i am LCW to LCWRA.

Can anyone help?

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Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,536 Championing

    Yes your assessment would have been from previous review.

    The LCWRA element applies from the date of the decision, you are correct there is no waiting period.

    Even though you've received the decision, UC do need time to process everything and add LCWRA to your award.

    It's possible there just hasn't been enough time yet.

  • hamij
    hamij Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener

    Thank you. I think the guy i spoke to must have actioned this as i got a notification after the journal message and it stated there had been an error and everything is now sorted. You honestly need a masters degree to figure out the system.