Certain medical or personal circumstances can result in automatic eligibility for the Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element of Universal Credit. In these situations, a full Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is not required.
Examples include terminal illness, ongoing cancer treatment, high-risk pregnancy, receiving specific disability benefits after State Pension age, and transferring from the ESA Support Group to Universal Credit without interruption. If none of these apply, a Work Capability Assessment will be necessary.
Key Points
- Some serious health conditions or benefit circumstances allow automatic qualification for LCWRA.
- Terminal illness and cancer treatment are among the most straightforward routes.
- If automatic qualification 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 individuals whose health condition or disability makes it unreasonable to expect them to work or participate in work-related activities.
Claimants placed in the LCWRA group:
- Are not required to look for work.
- Are exempt from work-related activities.
- Receive an additional monthly payment.
In 2026, the additional LCWRA amount is approximately £416.19 per month. This support helps cover essential living costs.
LCWRA under Universal Credit broadly mirrors the ESA Support Group under the previous benefits system, ensuring continuity for claimants who transitioned from Employment and Support Allowance.
Are There Conditions That Automatically Qualify for LCWRA?
There is no fixed list of medical conditions that automatically qualify someone for LCWRA. Instead, eligibility depends on how a condition affects a person’s functional ability.
Under the Universal Credit Regulations 2013, certain circumstances allow a claimant to be treated as having LCWRA without a full assessment. These are referred to as automatic qualification routes.
Key examples include:
- Terminal illness
- Ongoing or recent cancer treatment
- High-risk pregnancy
- Transfer from ESA Support Group
- Receiving certain high-level disability benefits after pension age
All other claimants must undergo a Work Capability Assessment.
The Five Main Routes to Automatic LCWRA Qualification
1. Terminal Illness
Under the Special Rules for End of Life, individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness and considered to have less than 12 months to live 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 aim is to provide financial support quickly and reduce administrative burden during an extremely difficult time.
2. Cancer Treatment or Recent Recovery
Claimants undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or who have recently completed treatment, may automatically qualify. This also applies if treatment is scheduled within the next six months.
The DWP recognises that cancer treatment can cause severe side effects, including:
- Extreme fatigue
- Suppressed immune system
- Cognitive difficulties
- Mental health strain
Medical evidence such as consultant letters, treatment plans, or hospital reports is required. Recovery periods are also considered where ongoing side effects prevent work-related activity.
3. High-Risk Pregnancy
Pregnancy alone 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 qualification may apply.
Examples include:
- Severe pre-eclampsia
- Placental complications
- High-risk multiple pregnancies
- Severe anaemia
- History of premature birth or miscarriage
A medical statement from a qualified healthcare professional must confirm the risk. Once accepted, the claimant is exempt from Jobcentre requirements and receives the LCWRA payment.
4. Transfer from ESA Support Group
Individuals who move from the ESA Support Group to Universal Credit without a break in their claim can automatically qualify for LCWRA, provided:
- They were previously placed in the ESA Support Group.
- There has been no interruption in benefits.
- There has been no significant change in their health condition.
In such cases, a new assessment is usually not required. However, the DWP may review the case if circumstances have changed.
5. Receiving 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.
Relevant benefits include:
- Enhanced rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Highest rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
- Attendance Allowance
These benefits indicate significant care needs, and further evaluation is generally not required.
What If You Do Not Qualify Automatically?
If none of the automatic routes apply, you must undergo a Work Capability Assessment.
The process includes:
- Completing a UC50 questionnaire
- Providing fit notes from your GP
- Attending a medical assessment if required
The assessment focuses on how your condition affects your ability to function, particularly on your worst days. Based on the outcome, you may be placed in:
- LCW
- LCWRA
- Fit for work
LCWRA Descriptors and Regulation 35
LCWRA Descriptors
The DWP uses specific criteria known as descriptors. If you meet one LCWRA-level descriptor, you qualify.
Examples include:
- Inability to walk more than 50 metres without severe discomfort
- Inability to rise from sitting without assistance
- Inability to lift and carry light objects
- Severe communication difficulties
- Inability to cope with social interaction
- Severe cognitive or mental health limitations
- Inability to swallow or eat without assistance
Supporting medical evidence is essential.
Regulation 35: Substantial Risk
Even if you do not meet a descriptor, you may qualify under Regulation 35 if work-related activity would pose a substantial risk to your health or the health of others.
This may apply to individuals with:
- Severe mental illness
- Fluctuating neurological conditions
- Serious cognitive impairment
- Long-term complex conditions such as ME, CFS, or Long Covid
Clear medical evidence of significant risk is required.
Evidence Required for an LCWRA Claim
The DWP assesses functional impact rather than diagnosis alone. Strong supporting evidence increases the likelihood of success.
Useful evidence includes:
- Fit notes from your GP
- A fully completed UC50 form
- Consultant letters describing functional limitations
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Care plans
- Statements from carers or family members
Medical letters should clearly describe limitations, such as “cannot walk 50 metres” or “substantial risk to mental health.”
Difference Between LCW and LCWRA
- LCW (Limited Capability for Work): Claimants are not required to work but may be expected to prepare for work.
- LCWRA (Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity): Claimants are not required to work or undertake any work-related activity. An additional payment is provided.
Reporting Changes in Health
If your health improves or worsens while claiming Universal Credit, you must report changes promptly.
Examples include:
- Improvement or deterioration in health
- Hospital admission or discharge
- Starting or stopping work
- Changes in household circumstances
Updates should be made through your Universal Credit online account.
What Claimants Should Remember
Automatic LCWRA eligibility applies in clearly defined circumstances, including terminal illness, cancer treatment, high-risk pregnancy, ESA transfer, or certain disability benefits after pension age.
For others, eligibility depends on demonstrating that work-related activity is not reasonable due to functional limitations or substantial risk.
Understanding the regulations, gathering detailed evidence, and clearly explaining how your condition affects daily life are essential steps in securing the support you are entitled to.
FAQs
Can you qualify for LCWRA due to anxiety or depression?
Yes, if the condition severely limits your ability to function or creates substantial risk under Regulation 35.
Do you need to receive PIP to qualify?
No. However, receiving PIP, especially at the enhanced rate, may strengthen your claim.
How long does approval take?
Payment typically begins after three full assessment periods following submission of your first fit note.
Can you receive LCWRA while working part-time?
Yes, if your condition significantly limits your work capability.
Can a carer qualify for LCWRA?
Yes, if the carer has their own health condition that meets LCWRA criteria.
Does everyone undergo a Work Capability Assessment?
No. Some claimants qualify automatically under specific legal provisions.