Certain medical or personal circumstances can lead to automatic entitlement to the Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element of Universal Credit. In these situations, a full Work Capability Assessment is not required.
Examples include terminal illness, ongoing cancer treatment, high risk pregnancy, receiving certain disability benefits after State Pension age, and moving from the ESA Support Group to Universal Credit without a break in the claim. If none of these apply, a Work Capability Assessment will usually be necessary.
Key Points
- Some serious health conditions or benefit situations allow automatic qualification for LCWRA.
- Terminal illness and cancer treatment are among the clearest qualifying routes.
- If automatic entitlement does not apply, a Work Capability Assessment is required.
- Strong medical evidence is essential in all cases.
What Is LCWRA in Universal Credit?
The LCWRA element provides financial and practical support to people whose health condition or disability makes it unreasonable to expect them to work or take part in work related activity.
If you are placed in the LCWRA group:
- You are not required to look for work.
- You are not required to take part in work related activities.
- You receive an additional monthly payment.
In 2026, the additional LCWRA amount is around £416.19 per month. This is intended to help with essential living costs.
LCWRA under Universal Credit broadly reflects the ESA Support Group under the previous benefits system. It ensures continuity for people who moved from Employment and Support Allowance to Universal Credit.
Are There Conditions That Automatically Qualify?
There is no fixed list of medical conditions that automatically qualify someone for LCWRA. Eligibility depends on how a condition affects a person’s ability to function.
Under the Universal Credit Regulations 2013, certain circumstances allow a claimant to be treated as having LCWRA without a full assessment. These are often described as automatic qualification routes.
Common examples include:
- Terminal illness
- Ongoing or recent cancer treatment
- High risk pregnancy
- Transfer from the ESA Support Group
- Receiving certain high level disability benefits after pension age
Anyone who does not fall into these categories will usually need to complete a Work Capability Assessment.
The Five Main Routes to Automatic LCWRA
1. Terminal Illness
Under the Special Rules for End of Life, people who are diagnosed with a terminal illness and are reasonably expected to live for less than 12 months automatically qualify for LCWRA.
In these cases:
- A UC50 form is not required.
- A Work Capability Assessment is not required.
- A medical professional submits an SR1 form to the DWP.
The LCWRA element is awarded immediately, without a waiting period. The purpose is to provide financial support quickly and reduce stress at a very difficult time.
2. Cancer Treatment or Recent Recovery
People who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or who have recently completed treatment, may qualify automatically. This can also apply if treatment is planned within the next six months.
Cancer treatment can cause serious side effects such as:
- Severe fatigue
- Weakened immune system
- Cognitive difficulties
- Mental health strain
Medical evidence is required, such as consultant letters, treatment plans, or hospital reports. Ongoing recovery and lasting side effects are also taken into account.
3. High Risk Pregnancy
Pregnancy on its own does not automatically qualify someone for LCWRA. However, if there is a serious medical risk to the mother or unborn child from work or work related activity, automatic entitlement may apply.
Examples include:
- Severe pre eclampsia
- Placental complications
- High risk multiple pregnancies
- Severe anaemia
- History of premature birth or miscarriage
A healthcare professional must confirm the medical risk in writing. Once accepted, the claimant is exempt from Jobcentre requirements and receives the LCWRA payment.
4. Transfer from ESA Support Group
If someone moves from the ESA Support Group to Universal Credit without a break in their claim, they can usually qualify automatically for LCWRA, provided:
- They were previously in the ESA Support Group.
- There has been no interruption in entitlement.
- There has been no significant change in their condition.
In most cases, a new assessment is not required unless circumstances have changed.
5. Certain Disability Benefits After Pension Age
Claimants over State Pension age who receive certain high level disability benefits may be treated as having LCWRA without further assessment.
These benefits include:
- Enhanced rate of Personal Independence Payment
- Highest rate of Disability Living Allowance
- Enhanced rate of Adult Disability Payment
- Attendance Allowance
These awards usually indicate significant care or support needs.
What If You Do Not Qualify Automatically?
If none of the automatic routes apply, you will need to go through a Work Capability Assessment.
This usually involves:
- Completing a UC50 questionnaire
- Providing fit notes from your GP
- Attending a medical assessment if required
The assessment looks at how your condition affects you, particularly on your worst days. After assessment, you may be placed in one of three categories:
- Limited Capability for Work (LCW)
- Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA)
- Fit for work
LCWRA Descriptors and Regulation 35
LCWRA Descriptors
The DWP uses specific criteria known as descriptors. If you meet at least one LCWRA level descriptor, you qualify.
Examples include:
- Being unable to walk more than 50 metres without severe discomfort
- Being unable to rise from sitting without help
- Being unable to lift and carry light objects
- Severe communication difficulties
- Inability to cope with social interaction
- Severe cognitive or mental health limitations
- Being unable to swallow or eat without assistance
Clear medical evidence is crucial.
Regulation 35: Substantial Risk
Even if you do not meet a specific descriptor, you may still qualify under Regulation 35. This applies where work related activity would pose a substantial risk to your health or to someone else.
This can apply in cases involving:
- Severe mental illness
- Fluctuating neurological conditions
- Serious cognitive impairment
- Long term complex conditions such as ME, CFS, or Long Covid
Strong medical evidence must show that there is a real and significant risk.
Evidence Required for an LCWRA Claim
The DWP focuses on how your condition affects your daily functioning, not just the diagnosis.
Helpful evidence includes:
- Fit notes from your GP
- A detailed and accurate UC50 form
- Consultant letters explaining functional limitations
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Care plans
- Statements from carers or family members
Medical letters should describe specific limitations, for example stating that you cannot walk 50 metres or that work related activity would create a serious risk to your mental health.
LCW and LCWRA: What Is the Difference?
LCW means you are not required to work, but you may still be expected to prepare for work.
LCWRA means you are not required to work or take part in any work related activity. You also receive an additional monthly payment.
Reporting Changes in Health
If your health improves or worsens while claiming Universal Credit, you must report the change promptly.
This includes:
- Improvement or deterioration in your condition
- Hospital admission or discharge
- Starting or stopping work
- Changes in your household
Updates should be made through your Universal Credit online account.
What Claimants Should Keep in Mind
Automatic LCWRA entitlement applies only in clearly defined circumstances, such as terminal illness, cancer treatment, high risk pregnancy, transfer from the ESA Support Group, or receipt of certain disability benefits after pension age.
In all other cases, entitlement depends on showing that work related activity is not reasonable because of functional limitations or substantial risk.
Understanding the rules, providing detailed medical evidence, and clearly explaining how your condition affects your daily life are key to securing the support available.
FAQs
Can you qualify for LCWRA due to anxiety or depression?
Yes, if the condition seriously limits your ability to function or creates substantial risk under Regulation 35.
Do you need to receive PIP to qualify?
No. However, receiving PIP, particularly at the enhanced rate, may support your case.
How long does approval take?
Payment usually begins after three full assessment periods from the date you submit your first fit note.
Can you receive LCWRA while working part time?
Yes, if your condition still significantly limits your capability for work related activity.
Can a carer qualify for LCWRA?
Yes, if the carer has their own health condition that meets the LCWRA criteria.
Does everyone have a Work Capability Assessment?
No. Some people qualify automatically under specific legal provisions.
