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Original poster

College study and LCWRA

63 replies

Confusedandvulnerable · 15/03/2024 12:47

Not sure if this is the correct place for this but I’m in receipt of PIP and UC LCWRA for mental health issues.

Sitting at home all day is not helping me at all I feel, and I wanted to look at what I can do to improve this as I find a routine to be very helpful in managing these difficulties.

I’m also starting to find isolation difficult, and feel I may like to try something just to see how I am able to cope. Genuinely cannot see life improving for me if I carry on the way I am.

I had a look at a local college and what is offered as initially I trained in art years ago, but this subject has really got me nowhere I feel, and the arts is such a competitive industry.

I know you are allowed to study part time on UC. Issue is, the course I am interested in is full time, I am unable to find any part time courses that offer what I want.

Only issue is, if one is in receipt of PIP and LCWRA because they find face to face contact with others difficult then this would likely be contradicting the reasons for LCWRA.

I equally can’t afford to lose the money, but then what am I supposed to do if I cannot try and improve my life because it would go against me?

I find it appalling really that people are threatened with having the money removed if they wish to try and improve their life. I feel as though once on benefits you can’t get off them due to this.

Would I be unreasonable to just apply for a course full time, study for it and not tell them? I equally don’t want to get into trouble for doing this as I equally need the money. It’s so difficult.

If starting a course means potentially losing the money then sadly I’ll just have to forget it and remain on benefits it seems.

Can anyone give me some advice? TIA

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
lashy · 16/03/2024 00:31

www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-and-students#studying-full-time

Worth a read.
Good luck.

Hont1986 · 15/03/2024 23:33

that would imply that a paraplegic person would automatically qualify for LCWRA.

Many paraplegics would automatically qualify for LCWRA under Activities 1, 2, and in some cases 9.

caringcarer · 15/03/2024 21:39

Confusedandvulnerable · 15/03/2024 16:17

@Mrsttcno1 I get a lot of what you are saying, but if it is a business such as sole trader, where for example you make stuff to sell from your own home, and therefore don’t interact face to face then I don’t see how that can really go against someone? As you wouldn’t be physically interacting with customers. This does seem like my only option tbf.

I’m not talking about the type of business such as a shop in the community, chippy or cafe where you would be expected to engage frequently face to face with customers.

Edited

Just have a chat to them and tell them you really want to study or work but are afraid of failing. They might let you do a work trial and if it doesn't work go back on the benefits.

WingsofRain · 15/03/2024 21:26

SpringtimeBunny · 15/03/2024 14:52

I agree about the media making it much harder. On the radio this morning, they were talking about how "nobody should be classed as too ill to work" Unsure what those who are paraplegic/completely blind/non-verbal etc etc should do?!? Ridiculous. They haven't a clue what it's like living with a debilitating and fluctuating disability

I’m a bit surprised that you are saying paraplegic people can’t work - that would imply that a paraplegic person would automatically qualify for LCWRA.

I’m paraplegic and I’ve worked all my life apart from one short period when I had to sign on due to redundancy. At no time did anyone at the job centre or the DWP in general say I might be eligible for any work related other than contribution based JSA.

imnotwhoyouthinkiam · 15/03/2024 21:07

I'm amazed (and slightly annoyed with the assessment process, not individuals) that some people get LCWRA and work/study. I was turned down for it even though I was so mentally unwell that I barely left the house. Apparently the fact I could plan a journey that I'd never undertake, and went to church occasionally because I was picked up by a friend, meant I wasn't ill enough.

@Confusedandvulnerable I don't know if you're allowed to study on LCWRA. I guess they might move you into the LCW group which doesn't have any money attached. But I'm probably totally wrong.

SpringtimeBunny · 15/03/2024 20:49

Frumpitydoo · 15/03/2024 16:25

Adding to @Mrsttcno1 's post, if you can go to college and study then you are fit to work in the eyes of the DWP.

Nonsense! Just stop

SpringtimeBunny · 15/03/2024 20:48

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

it sounds to me like you over egged your PIP application

How dare you make such a massive presumption about OP's health based on fuck all?!? OP hasn't even said what her health condition is! Reported

XenoBitch · 15/03/2024 20:07

Confusedandvulnerable · 15/03/2024 18:50

@XenoBitch As one of my LCWRA reasons was poor executive function, meaning I can’t do tasks too quickly, with a small business this would mean I can go as steadily as I need to? I do struggle to see how that would contradict that.

I am going on what my work coach told me. TBH, that seems to vary between them anyway.

Fraudornot · 15/03/2024 19:32

The problem is more if you loose the LWCRA it is almost impossible to get it back as it is so hard to get in the first place.

MohairTortoise · 15/03/2024 19:02

How do you think they could make the system fairer for everyone OP?
Someone further back said there may be a run on of benefits.
Another poster has said you can do a full time course if you are receiving LCWRA and another benefit such as PIP?
What changes would you like to see?
You never know, what you want to see may already be available?

Original poster
Confusedandvulnerable · 15/03/2024 18:50

@XenoBitch As one of my LCWRA reasons was poor executive function, meaning I can’t do tasks too quickly, with a small business this would mean I can go as steadily as I need to? I do struggle to see how that would contradict that.

OP posts:
Mrsttcno1 · 15/03/2024 18:50

You say that OP but actually running a small business yourself some people could easily argue is more stress & pressure than lots of jobs you can just turn up to/log on for, do your shift and then switch off from it completely at the end of your shift.

Original poster
Confusedandvulnerable · 15/03/2024 18:43

@XenoBitch I don’t see why they would though if it’s not engaging with others face to face. Also LCWRA dosen’t mean no work capability. I thought a small business may have been ‘safe work’ Baffles me a bit that.

Also running a small business isn’t quite the same as a normal, high pressure job. Yes, there will be tasks but presuming these would be far less pressurised than the standard workplace, ie boss constantly breathing down your neck timing you.

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 15/03/2024 18:20

IMO, it is not worth the risk.

I am in LCRWA and feel trapped too. I also wanted to set up a little crafty business, but was told that I would likely be reassessed as LCW if I did so. I am on it for MH reasons... and all the work that comes with setting up and running a business would mean I could potentially do the work preparation courses that the Job Centre send you on... on half the money I am on now. Being honest with myself, I can do stuff with my hands, but would not be able to do the admin/marketing side of it anyway. I craft to stay distracted, and beat the isolation by attending various groups.

Also, what new health element are you referring to? If it is the one proposed that insists that anyone not on PIP is swinging the lead, then no... that is not something to look forward to.

Thejackrussellsrule · 15/03/2024 17:22

This is from the Gov.uk website, UC eligibility:

Students with disabilities or health conditions
You can claim Universal Credit if you’re in full-time education, and have been assessed as having limited capability for work by a Work Capability Assessment before starting your course. You must also be entitled to any of the following:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Child Disability Payment (CDP) in Scotland
Attendance Allowance
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland

OP- if you've had the LCWRA decision and have a PIP award, you're good to go.

Original poster
Confusedandvulnerable · 15/03/2024 17:18

@LoveSandbanks Thank you for this info. I really hope your right however based on others opinions regarding this it’s not looking promising that it’s something I’ll be able to do without losing the money.

OP posts:
Original poster
Confusedandvulnerable · 15/03/2024 17:16

@Universalsnail Thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
Confusedandvulnerable · 15/03/2024 17:16

@Sweetladyjane If you have the ongoing issues then this money should continue.

If they tell you no then hard as it may be to do so, take them to tribunal, and fight for what you deserve.

These have generally more sympathetic people than DWP.

OP posts:
Universalsnail · 15/03/2024 17:10

They are Autism East Midlands. It's the employment support team you want. I just emailed them and they send me an application form.

Sweetladyjane · 15/03/2024 17:10

I receive LCWRA and work a bit. I have severe mental health issues and struggle with leaving the house / interacting with people. I’m not expecting it to continue at my next review even though I couldn’t cope with full time work. I did try and increase my hours but got very ill so had to drop down again.

Original poster
Confusedandvulnerable · 15/03/2024 16:58

@Universalsnail I’m East Midlands. I’d be happy to receive details about the charity.

OP posts:
LoveSandbanks · 15/03/2024 16:56

the rules of universal credit state that if you have a disability and have been assessed and placed in the LCWRA group already doing a full time college course is fine. They tightened up the rules a few years ago so you have to be assessed while not in full time education.

it’s a brilliant use of your time, good luck.

Original poster
Confusedandvulnerable · 15/03/2024 16:54

@Frumpitydoo And if the business dosen’t make you enough money then back to square 1 in poverty because you’ve lost your safety net.

Not everyone is capable of taking on a second job if the business is slow to profit at first.

A lot of people struggle with even just the one. So I do think those people with LCWRA should get transitional protection of some sort so they can at least try something without fear of being worse off. This Governments a joke.

OP posts:
Universalsnail · 15/03/2024 16:51

Where are you based OP? I am currently working with an autism charity who help you find work that you can do that is sustainable for you. They are east midlands based. Can pass on the details if you are in the east midlands. I signed up to them as tbh the thought of being on benefits my whole life feels so bleak but my ability is so small. They have training opportunities and fully support you. I've only just started working with them but they seem like they may be able to help.

Original poster
Confusedandvulnerable · 15/03/2024 16:50

@Universalsnail Theres even people who have killed themselves due to assessors removing their money. It’s a disgrace because not all people claiming are scroungers.

OP posts: