Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) is a funding category for people with disabilities, neurodivergence, or health conditions. People in this category can receive financial assistance when their condition stops them from working full-time. To explore this topic, let’s get into some details in this post.
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:
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 In many cases, though, it’s because of outdated views, lack of HR policies, and workplaces not implementing reasonable adjustments to support neurodivergent workers.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:
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.
LWCRA has an indefinite status with no specific time limit. But there are some key factors we should consider:
LCWRA isn’t a benefit on its own. Instead, it’s an extra amount of money added to your monthly Universal Credit payment — like a top-up. If you’re assessed and placed into the LCWRA group, you’ll receive £423.27 per month on top of your usual Universal Credit amount (See more details on gov.uk). So, for example, if your standard Universal Credit is £600 a month, your total payment would go up to £1,023.27.
This money is there to support people who are not expected to work or take part in work-related activities because of their condition. It recognises that you may need extra financial support to manage day-to-day life.
You usually start getting the LCWRA payment three full assessment periods after you report your health condition and provide medical evidence. While that means you won’t get the extra money straight away, you will receive back pay to cover those three months. The money just comes a little later, in a lump sum.
One more thing worth knowing: if you’re placed in the LCWRA group, you won’t be affected by the benefit cap. That means your payments won’t be reduced, even if you also get other kinds of support which is a really important protection for people who need it most.
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.
Applicants need to qualify with enough points to get into the LCWRA group. Assessors mark points against several different descriptors which include:
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.
What does LCWRA actually mean?
It means the government recognises that you’re not currently well enough to work — and that you shouldn’t be expected to. If you qualify for LCWRA, you’ll get extra money each month and you won’t be asked to look for a job or attend any work-related meetings.
Is LCWRA a separate benefit from Universal Credit?
No, it’s an extra amount added to your Universal Credit payment. You don’t need to apply for something separate. Once you’ve been assessed and placed in the LCWRA group, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will automatically top up your Universal Credit with LCWRA amount.
How do I get assessed for LCWRA?
To find out if you qualify for LCWRA, first you need to go through your Work Capability Assessment (WCA). This is for DWP to understand your health situation and how it affects your ability to work and for you to get the right support you need. It usually starts with a form and some medical evidence. You might also be invited to a phone or in-person assessment to talk through your situation. After that, you’ll be placed into one of three groups called Fit to Work, LCW or LCWRA. Not sure what the difference is? Scroll back to the top of this blog post where we explain what each group means.
How long does LCWRA last?
There’s no set time limit. Some people stay in the LCWRA group for years, especially if their condition is unlikely to improve. But the DWP may review your situation every 6–36 months, depending on your circumstances. If nothing has changed, they often continue your LCWRA status without reassessment.
Can I still work if I get LCWRA?
Yes, if you want to and feel able to, you can work while receiving LCWRA. There are no rules stopping you. But the key point is: you’re not expected to work. You won’t be pressured into looking for jobs or attending work-related appointments.
When will I start getting the extra money?
Usually, you’ll start getting the extra amount after three full assessment periods (roughly three months) from when you told the DWP about your condition and sent in medical evidence. The good news is you’ll get back pay to cover that waiting time.
What if I think I’ve missed out on back pay?
If your LCWRA decision took a while or you think your payments started too late, you can ask for back pay. You might need to provide more evidence or challenge a DWP decision but there’s no time limit for doing this, so it’s worth checking. If something doesn’t look right, feel free to check this with the relevant government bodies.
What conditions usually qualify for LCWRA?
There’s no fixed list of conditions that automatically qualify someone for LCWRA as everyone’s situation is looked at individually. But there are some common reasons why people are placed in the LCWRA group, such as terminal illness, cancer treatment, pregnancy risks, mental health conditions, or disabilities that make it unsafe or unreasonable to work. LCWRA support could also be available to people with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing difficulties – especially if the workplace hasn’t made reasonable adjustments or the support just isn’t there.
Will LCWRA protect me from the benefit cap?
Yes. If you qualify for LCWRA, the benefit cap won’t apply to you. That means your Universal Credit payments can’t be reduced just because you’re also receiving housing support or other benefits. This is actually an important financial safeguard for people who need extra support.
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