Working and LCWRA

sazducky
sazducky Online Community Member Posts: 10 Listener
in Benefits and income
Help needed. Currently working 20 hours and on UC and struggling to work this much. Had my job for 19 years and don't want to give up work, I can't afford to reduce my hours. I've looked into LCWRA and would qualify apart from working hours and wage. If I already had LCWRA I could reduce my hours and afford to live. Any advice appreciated.

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  • bg844
    bg844 Online Community Member Posts: 3,883 Championing
    Do you claim PIP? 
  • sazducky
    sazducky Online Community Member Posts: 10 Listener
    No but I have recently applied. 
  • bg844
    bg844 Online Community Member Posts: 3,883 Championing
    If awarded PIP this does exempt you from the hours and wage limit to be referred for a WCA.
  • sazducky
    sazducky Online Community Member Posts: 10 Listener
    If I don't get PIP, would it best the reduce my hours to suit the requirements? 
  • bg844
    bg844 Online Community Member Posts: 3,883 Championing
    Yes, it would be the only way really. Even if you do get awarded PIP remember to do a change of circumstance on your UC account and fill in the health section, after this it will ask you for details of any fit notes (you need these from your GP to start the process). After about a month you will be sent a UC50 form to fill in and return with relevant supporting evidence.

    It really can be quite a lengthy process but hopefully you do get awarded PIP.
  • sazducky
    sazducky Online Community Member Posts: 10 Listener
    OK thank you, is it the same as ESA requirements at 16 hours? 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    sazducky said:
    OK thank you, is it the same as ESA requirements at 16 hours? 
    No. It would be permitted work for ESA which is less than 16 hours/week and earn no more than £167/week. 
    You don’t need to be claiming PIP to claim ESA but you need to have the correct NI contributions in tax years 2020/21 and 2021/22. 
  • sazducky
    sazducky Online Community Member Posts: 10 Listener
    OK thank you
  • sazducky
    sazducky Online Community Member Posts: 10 Listener
    Last question, if I am awarded LCWRA can I do more than 15 hours if I feel like u can? Thank you for your help.
  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,001 Championing
    edited May 2023
    sazducky said:
    Last question, if I am awarded LCWRA can I do more than 15 hours if I feel like u can? Thank you for your help.
    For UC there are no limits on the amount of work you can while having LCWRA (but the LCWRA can be reviewed).

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