Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) Guide

What Is Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA)?

Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity is one of three categories that determine whether someone may receive benefits through the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). To get this status, individuals must apply for a Work Capability Assessment (WCA). Someone who receives a status of Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) through their WCA application will receive benefits and won’t need to work. Those able to work in some capacity can do so on a limited basis and still retain their allocated benefits.

People who qualify for this category will get funding through a Universal Credit (UC) group or the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) support group. Studies show around 2.5 million claimants in the UK get Universal Credit LCWRA or help from the ESA Support Group. In 2022, almost two in every three claimants who applied for a WCA received LCWRA status. 

LCWRA is one of three outcomes following a WCA application: 

• Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA): People who qualify for this status don’t need to look for or prepare for work to receive benefits. However, they can still work in a limited way if they’re able to.  
• Limited Capability for Work (LCW): Individuals with this status aren’t able to work but should receive funding support to help them prepare for getting into future work.
• Fit to work: Applicants have shown they’re able to work so won’t qualify for ESA funding or the health-related amount of Universal Credit.

Who Goes Into the LCWRA Group?

The LCWRA group is specific to Universal Credit and is the equivalent of the ESA support group. The DWP gives individuals this status when their difficulties are so severe they can’t undertake any type of work or work-related activity.  For instance, unemployment rates for individuals with autism stand at 85% and there are many reasons why. In many cases, though, it’s because of outdated views, lack of HR policies, and workplaces not implementing reasonable adjustments to support neurodivergent workers. In some cases, this lack of support from workplaces can leave some people with autism unable to work at all.

People in the UC LCWRA group can also move into the ESA support group without further assessment. Everyone needs a review of their specific circumstances, so we can’t specify the exact conditions for eligibility to the LCWRA group. There are, however, some areas where getting LCWRA status is likely: 

• Terminal illness
• Are receiving cancer treatment
• Pregnancy
• There’s a substantial risk to health or of someone close to the applicant
• Severe limitations from physical, mental, or cognitive impairment
• Special circumstances that make someone unsuitable to work

The DWP expects people in the Limited Capability for Work group (LCW) to be able to work at some future point and take part in work-related activities. For example, women who experience ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or menopause symptoms may be eligible for LCW status if they’re unable to work temporarily. Studies show the risks are high, with 75% of women experiencing menopause symptoms including Sudden Crashing Fatigue.

But those in the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity Group (LCWRA) aren’t expected to be able to work now or in the future. They will get extra money to support their higher needs and won’t need to do work-related activities to receive benefits. 

How Long Does It Last?

LWCRA has an indefinite status with no specific time limit. But there are some key factors we should consider: 

• DWP recommends a review of each client’s situation anywhere from 6 months to 36 months. 
• Reassessment isn’t required for LWCRA claimants with severe or chronic disability/health conditions. They might also not get reassessed if their condition doesn’t appear likely to improve. 
• The DWP will consider reassessment in certain circumstances:
  • When claimants notify them of changes to their health condition. 
  • Risk of pregnancy or cancer treatment where the prognosis to recover is likely to be short-term. 
  • If claimants have LCWRA under new risk provisions
  • Where there’s suspected fraud

Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity Back Pay

Sometimes, applications can get delayed. And issues can arise that may leave someone without income to survive. For instance, if completing a WCA application takes longer than three months, applicants can receive back pay to cover this period. They will need to provide medical evidence and any income awarded will be back-dated to the time they shared it. Applicants can appeal their decision if they are declined for back pay. 

There may also be situations where administrative issues lead to incorrect recording of relevant periods of limited capability. When this happens, claimants can lose out on payments. Claimants should ensure they check over all details accurately and make an appeal for back pay for any incorrectly recorded dates. 

There’s no time limit on challenging the DWP on mistakes so applicants can always check for any Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity back pay they’re entitled to. 

LCWRA Descriptors

Applicants need to qualify with enough points to get into the LCWRA group. Assessors mark points against several different descriptors which include: 

1. Mobilising unaided by another person with or without a walking stick, manual wheelchair, or other aid if such aid is normally, or could reasonably, be worn or used.
2. Transferring from one seated position to another.
3. Reaching.
   
4. Picking up and moving or transferring by the use of the upper body and arms (excluding standing, sitting, bending, or kneeling).
   
5. Manual dexterity.
6. Making oneself understood through speaking, writing, typing.
7. Understanding communication. Examples could include not understanding simple messages such as where fire evacuation points are due to sensory impairments. Such individuals may have Sensory Processing Disorder or experience hyposensitivity where they under-respond to stimulation or when given verbal instructions. 
8. Finding your way and being safe, using a guide dog or other aid if used
9. Extensive incontinence (other than bed-wetting) despite using aids 
10. Consciousness during waking moments
11. Learning tasks
12. Awareness of everyday hazards (such as boiling water or sharp objects)
13. Initiating and completing personal action (which means planning, organisation, problem-solving, prioritising, or switching tasks without needing prompting from somebody else)
14. Coping with change
15. Getting about
16. Coping with social engagement due to cognitive impairment or mental disorder
17. Appropriateness of behaviour with other people, due to cognitive impairment or mental disorder
18. Conveying food or drink to the mouth
19. Chewing or swallowing food or drink

Each descriptor has a points weighting, referred to as a score. The harder an applicant finds that activity, the more points they might get. To receive Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) in the Universal Credit work capability assessment, applicants need to score 15 points or more.