If you’re facing long-term illness or disability and are unable to work, the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) benefit may provide the financial support you need.
Administered by the UK government as part of Universal Credit (UC), LCWRA helps individuals with severe health conditions who are not required to look for work.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about LCWRA payments, when to expect them, and how much you’ll receive.
What Is LCWRA Payment?
The LCWRA designation applies to individuals who are considered too sick or disabled to work and exempt from work-related tasks.
After undergoing a Work Capability Assessment (WCA), those who are placed in the LCWRA group qualify for an extra monthly payment on top of their Universal Credit.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) manages this process, ensuring that individuals with long-term health conditions receive the financial assistance they need.
If you’re assessed and placed into the LCWRA group, it means you are not required to seek employment due to your condition.
The key benefit of this designation is that the Benefit Cap, which limits the total amount of benefits a person can receive, does not apply to LCWRA recipients. Instead, you receive an additional payment of £354.28 per month as part of your Universal Credit.
LCWRA Payment Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Universal Credit Claimant |
| LCWRA Payment Amount | £354.28/month |
| Assessment Period | 3 months after application |
| Country | UK |
When Will I Get LCWRA Payment?
The LCWRA payment is usually added to your Universal Credit three months after your initial claim or after submitting your first medical evidence (such as a sick note).
This three-month period is known as the “relevant period.” During this time, the Work Capability Assessment will be conducted by the DWP to determine your eligibility for LCWRA.
While the WCA process may take longer than three months, your LCWRA element will still be added to your Universal Credit payments starting from the first Monthly Assessment Period after the relevant period ends, even if the assessment takes longer or an appeal is necessary.
Example Timeline:
- Month 1: You submit medical evidence.
- Month 4: The LCWRA payment starts after the three-month waiting period.
How Much Will I Get?
Once the LCWRA element is added to your Universal Credit claim, you will receive an extra £354.28 per month. This is on top of your standard Universal Credit payment.
For those who have not been properly assessed during the initial stages, it’s important to note that the DWP may owe back pay for any missed payments, dating back to the end of the relevant period.
Key Points to Consider:
- If you’re part of a joint Universal Credit claim, you and your partner cannot both receive LCWRA and the carer element unless it’s part of the same claim. You’ll only receive the higher amount.
- If you’ve already started receiving LCWRA but had a change in circumstances (e.g., entering or leaving a relationship), you won’t need to wait another three months if you reapply. The waiting period carries over from your previous award.
LCWRA Payment Process
To receive the LCWRA element:
- Submit Medical Evidence: The process begins when you notify the DWP of your health condition and provide medical documentation, such as a sick note or doctor’s letter.
- Fill Out the UC50 Form: You will be required to complete a UC50 form, which gathers information about your health condition and ability to work.
- Attend an Assessment: The DWP may schedule a Work Capability Assessment to determine whether you qualify for the LCWRA element. After the assessment, the DWP will make a decision on your eligibility.
- Waiting Period: There is a three-month waiting period starting from the date you submit your medical evidence. The LCWRA payment will be added to your Universal Credit from the next assessment period after this waiting period.
- Retroactive Payments: Once approved, the LCWRA element will be retroactively applied to cover the period from the end of your waiting period to when the assessment was completed.
If you’re struggling with a long-term illness or disability that limits your ability to work, the LCWRA Payment provides financial support as part of your Universal Credit.
You can expect to receive an additional £354.28 per month, starting after a three-month waiting period. For those already in a joint Universal Credit claim or with changes in relationship status, the waiting period may be shorter.
While the process can take time, it’s important to stay in touch with the DWP and ensure your documentation is up-to-date. With back pay included in many cases, the LCWRA benefit can be a valuable lifeline for those unable to work.
FAQs
When will I start receiving LCWRA payments?
After a three-month waiting period, payments begin in the first Universal Credit assessment period.
How much will I receive for LCWRA?
The current LCWRA payment is £354.28 per month.
Can I get LCWRA and the carer element at the same time?
Yes, but only if you are in a joint Universal Credit claim and eligible for both.
Do I need to reapply if my relationship status changes?
No, the waiting period carries over from your previous LCWRA award.
Is there back pay if my assessment takes longer than expected?
Yes, any unpaid LCWRA amount will be retroactively paid once your assessment is completed.
