LCWRA stands for Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity. It is a group within Universal Credit (UC) for claimants who the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) consider to have such severe health problems that there is no current prospect of their being able to undertake work or work-related activities. If you are placed in the LCWRA group, you will not be expected to take part in any work-related activities, and you will receive a higher level work allowance so you or your partner can earn more before your benefit is reduced. You will also receive an extra amount associated with being in the LCWRA group called the LCWRA element. The amount of LCWRA payment is £390.06 per month.

To be eligible for LCWRA, you need to satisfy the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), which determines your capability for work. There are no conditions that automatically qualify you for LCWRA, although certain types of cancer treatment and issues relating to pregnancy may mean you qualify. Instead, there are five possible ways of being found to have Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity.

If you are already receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or have already been assessed as having limited capability for work, you may automatically be awarded LCWRA without any assessment. If you are moving from ESA to UC, you may also automatically be awarded LCWRA without any assessment.

To claim LCWRA, you need to complete a UC50 form and return it to the DWP. You will then need to attend a medical and work capability assessment. If you are already in receipt of ESA, you may not need to have a WCA.

LCWRA is awarded until your circumstances change or your case is reviewed. Typically, your LCWRA award is reviewed after one year.