LCWRA for 7 years: Starting part-time online Master's degree - Will it trigger a

shahnaz20
shahnaz20 Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 12 Contributor
edited July 2 in Universal Credit (UC)

Hi everyone,I need some urgent advice as I am feeling very anxious.I have been in the LCWRA support group for 7 years due to severe mental health issues (depression and lack of concentration) and physical disability. I also receive PIP.I have just received an offer for a part-time, 100% online Master's degree in International Development and Social Justice. I chose this because it is fully flexible, allowing me to study from home at my own pace with university adjustments (DSA). However, I am terrified that notifying Universal Credit about this study will automatically trigger a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) medical review. My mental health cannot cope with an interrogation right now.

  • Is it true that under the new April 2026/2028 rules, existing LCWRA claimants are protected when trying part-time education?
  • Will doing an online, part-time course risk my LCWRA status or higher-rate health element?

Any reassurance or advice from anyone in a similar situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

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Comments

  • Rosie_Scope
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 8,888 Online Community Team

    Hi @shahnaz20, welcome to the community. Congratulations on your offer! That sounds like a great opportunity if you're able to take it ☺️ and what an interesting subject!

    Starting your studies wouldn't usually mean they'll automatically want to reassess you. They would only usually do this if it looked like there was a clear improvement in your functional ability and this doesn't sound like the case for you.

    For example, if you were on LCWRA for severe back pain and were starting a course doing something very physical like plastering, that may raise some questions. But as you're doing it from home, part time, at your own pace and with some extra support in place, this shouldn't really be an issue for you.

    I hope there's a member out there who can share some first hand experiences with you too as I know that may be more reassuring.

    Would you be hoping to start in September if you went ahead?

  • shahnaz20
    shahnaz20 Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 12 Contributor

    Thank you very much for your reply. Yes if I can , it would start on September.

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