LCWRA - right to try - trying.

[MyWildOliveGoose]

Hey, thanks for clicking. I’ve been signed off with ill health for 2 years now, but remained employed with my employer as they were quite understanding and wanted me back as much as I wanted to be back.

I’ve now undergone major surgery, medical rehab (not drugs lol) and been given the “yes” by my consultant to try and get back to work.

My limitations are still there, and maybe more so in a different way than they were and I’m expected to make a full recovery but realistically this could take years.

My employer has agreed a permanent reduction in hours and responsibilities, I will only work 40 weeks a year pro rata (kind of like school holidays it sounds!) to allow for real rest and recovery consistently and regularly, and will only work in the mornings, for 15 hours a week with a mid week day off every Wednesday, plus significantly reduced duties. No lifting, no bending, regular breaks etc.

I am so excited to get back and although I’ll be earning significantly less, it gives me a bit more purpose than just being a disabled mum.

Has anyone been through the process of returning to work after a LCWRA assessment and award whilst still having significant limitations?

Good for you getting back at it.

Are you wondering about the financial aspect? If so I think that you are allowed to work 12 hours a week with no affect to benefit, so I'm thinking that your 15 hours a week, 40 weeks a year would fit with this. Your benefit will stay the same and you can keep your earnings on top.

Sorry is that what you are asking? Definitely worth a chat with your job centre advisor. Those were the rules when I was on it anyway! Your employer sounds good and on board with disability laws.

If LCWRA has been awarded and is paid on your claim. Any earnings will be deducted on your claim the usual way for UC. Look on a benefits calculator to see how you will be affected. Is it UC or ESA you claim?

I guess I’m asking in the sense of.. will they reassess me? What is the process? Things like that.. obviously having the LCWRA means my wages have a higher threshold before being deducted from UC which is a huge lifeline for me as a single mum.. if I lose that protection because I’m trying to go back to work then 15 hours 40 weeks a year just isn’t going to be manageable, and I could end up in a worse situation both healthwise and financially.

@MyWildOliveGoose As long as your job doesn’t contradict the reasons for you getting LCWRA it’s fine. But they are not doing re assessments at the moment whilst they catch up with the backlog of new assessments so I wouldn’t worry

I've gone back after being on sick leave/LCWRA (long story) but I'm on 3 days. I wanted 4 days but, for once, agreed less which was a good idea as it's what I can physically manage. The DWP sent me a letter saying that because I'm working more than 16 hours I was due no payment and they were closing my claim.

So far so good. I'm not sure what'll happen if I can't continue as it's a new employer and contract. Fingers crossed.