LCW and also LCWRA

alexnurse12052022

Hi,

I am a nurse supporting Jobcentre Plus customers. 

I was wondering if it was common for customers to be awarded LCW or LCWRA, then find work, and also keep their additional Universal Credit monetary enhancement as previously awarded due to LCW or LCWRA.

I believe it's possible, and that it's the customers right to still take a paid employment role if it is manageable for them within the context of the health difficulties already established (in order to keep the enhancement). Obviously, no one can stop the customer seeking employment, just wondering about their LCW or LCWRA enhancement. 

I think with ESA there is the "permitted work" protocols, but I don't think "permitted work" actually exists technically when you are on Universal Credit?

Many thanks,
Alex. 

RichinFriends

You and your client/s may find it useful to use the benefits calculator on Turn2us website. If it doesn't give you all the information you think you need, at least you will have an idea of what to query should you speak to CAB or DWP. There is also a chat function on Turn2us who can help. 

poppy12345

There's no earnings limit whether you were found to have LCW or LCWRA and there's no maximum amount of hours you can work. People do work and claim either of those. They will have the work allowance which means they can receive a certain amount of earnings each month before the 55% deductions apply.

If they claim for help with the rent it's £344, if they don't it's £573.

If they start work they need to report a change of circumstances and tell UC they are working. Do be aware also that if the work they do contradicts the reasons they were found to have LCW/LCWRA then it could go against them at their next review.

RichinFriends said:

You and your client/s may find it useful to use the benefits calculator on Turn2us website. If it doesn't give you all the information you think you need, at least you will have an idea of what to query should you speak to CAB or DWP. There is also a chat function on Turn2us who can help. 

I wouldn't advise anyone to speak to DWP for benefits advice. They administer benefits but they are not trained to give benefits advice.

MSE_Laura_F

Hello. I put this question my colleague who writes about benefits and her reply was much like the above. She said:

"The general rule is: you can work even if you've got these classifications (and you'll need to tell DWP if you do start working), but your capability for work won't be automatically reassessed (eg. get the extra UC you get taken away / have extra work conditions added). BUT, next time your capability for work is assessed, working could go against you."

MSE Laura F

Alice_Holt

MSE_Laura_F said:

Hello. I put this question my colleague who writes about benefits and her reply was much like the above. She said:

"The general rule is: you can work even if you've got these classifications (and you'll need to tell DWP if you do start working), but your capability for work won't be automatically reassessed (eg. get the extra UC you get taken away / have extra work conditions added). BUT, next time your capability for work is assessed, working could go against you."

MSE Laura F

       Whether it does will depend on whether the LCWRA descriptor, or LCW points are contradicted by the demands of the job (after taking into account any adjustments made by the employer). 
  As a starting point, it is helpful to know exactly which LCWRA description, LCW points apply.

   Someone in the LCWRA group because they cannot mobilise, may well be able to work in a professional capacity / desk job with employer adjustments and the use of an electric wheelchair, for example.  

alexnurse12052022

MSE_Laura_F said:

Hello. I put this question my colleague who writes about benefits and her reply was much like the above. She said:

"The general rule is: you can work even if you've got these classifications (and you'll need to tell DWP if you do start working), but your capability for work won't be automatically reassessed (eg. get the extra UC you get taken away / have extra work conditions added). BUT, next time your capability for work is assessed, working could go against you."

MSE Laura F

Brilliant thanks!!

TELLIT01

Does Permitted Work still exist with UC or does the whole benefit now work in a different way?

alexnurse12052022

MSE_Laura_F said:

Hello. I put this question my colleague who writes about benefits and her reply was much like the above. She said:

"The general rule is: you can work even if you've got these classifications (and you'll need to tell DWP if you do start working), but your capability for work won't be automatically reassessed (eg. get the extra UC you get taken away / have extra work conditions added). BUT, next time your capability for work is assessed, working could go against you."

MSE Laura F

Brilliant thanks!!

poppy12345

TELLIT01 said:

Does Permitted Work still exist with UC

No it doesn't. As i advised here.

poppy12345 said:

There's no earnings limit whether you were found to have LCW or LCWRA and there's no maximum amount of hours you can work. People do work and claim either of those. They will have the work allowance which means they can receive a certain amount of earnings each month before the 55% deductions apply.

If they claim for help with the rent it's £344, if they don't it's £573.

calcotti

TELLIT01 said:

Does Permitted Work still exist with UC or does the whole benefit now work in a different way?

There is an earnings limit which applies to exclude a referral for a WCA in the first place (subject to exceptions). As poppy says earnings and/or hours worked have no impact on LCW or LCWRA once awarded.

Spoonie_Turtle

calcotti said:

TELLIT01 said:

Does Permitted Work still exist with UC or does the whole benefit now work in a different way?

There is an earnings limit which applies to exclude a referral for a WCA in the first place (subject to exceptions). As poppy says earnings and/or hours worked have no impact on LCW or LCWRA once awarded.

And the earnings limit does not apply if someone is claiming PIP (presumably ditto if they're still claiming DLA)