If you’re claiming Universal Credit and are living with a health condition or disability that significantly limits your ability to work, you might be eligible for an additional payment called LCWRA.
This stands for Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity.
This guide will give you the specifics of LCWRA and explain when you might be eligible, how much you could receive, and the process involved.
What is LCWRA?
LCWRA is an extra amount added to your Universal Credit payment if you have a health condition or disability that prevents you from working or preparing for work.
It’s a recognition of the additional financial challenges you might face due to your condition.
When am I Eligible for LCWRA?
To qualify for LCWRA, you must be assessed as having limited capability for work-related activity.
This means your health condition significantly impacts your ability to prepare for work, such as attending job interviews or work-focused interviews.
You will usually be assessed for LCWRA when you first claim Universal Credit.
However, if your condition worsens, or if you develop a new condition, you can request a reassessment.
How Much is the LCWRA Payment?
The LCWRA payment is an additional amount added to your standard Universal Credit.
The exact amount depends on your personal circumstances, such as whether you live alone or with a partner.
Currently, the standard LCWRA payment is £416.19 per month for a single person and £362.15 per month for someone living with a partner who is also claiming Universal Credit.
However, it’s important to note that these amounts can change, so it’s always advisable to check the latest information from the government.
How Do I Claim LCWRA?
You don’t need to make a separate claim for LCWRA.
When you claim Universal Credit, you’ll be asked about any health conditions or disabilities that affect your ability to work.
This information is then used to assess your eligibility for LCWRA.
How Long Does it Take to Get LCWRA?
Typically, it takes around three months to start receiving the LCWRA payment after you first submit medical evidence supporting your claim.
However, there are exceptions to this rule.
For example, if you have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less, you might be eligible for the payment immediately.
What Evidence Do I Need to Provide?
To support your LCWRA claim, you’ll usually need to provide medical evidence from a healthcare professional.
This evidence should detail your condition and how it affects your ability to work.
You have to keep copies of all medical reports and correspondence related to your claim.
Can I Appeal if My LCWRA Claim is Rejected?
If your LCWRA claim is rejected, you have the right to appeal.
You can do this by requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration.
If you’re still unhappy with the decision after the reconsideration, you can appeal to a tribunal.
What Happens if My Circumstances Change?
If your health condition improves, you might need to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about the changes.
This could lead to a reassessment of your eligibility for LCWRA.
Similarly, if your condition worsens, you can request a reassessment to see if you’re eligible for a higher rate of payment.
Can I Work While Claiming LCWRA?
Yes, you can work while claiming LCWRA.
However, the amount of money you can earn before your Universal Credit is reduced will be higher than if you didn’t have LCWRA.
This is known as the work allowance.
Depending on your specific circumstances, you might be eligible for other benefits alongside LCWRA.
These could include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, or Carer’s Allowance.
You should check if you could be entitled to additional support.