Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit
If you have a Work Capability Assessment
After you鈥檝e reported your health condition or disability or a change in circumstances, you may need to have a Work Capability Assessment.
You might not get a Work Capability Assessment if you earn over 拢846 a month.
If you have a Work Capability Assessment, you鈥檒l be sent a decision afterwards that says if you:
- are fit for work (also known as 鈥榗apable for work鈥�)
- need to prepare to work in the future, but have limited capability for work (LCW)
- have limited capability for work and work related activity (LCWRA)
The decision affects whether you鈥檒l get the extra amount of Universal Credit.
You can still work if you feel able to, even if you鈥檙e told that you have limited capability for work or need to prepare for work in the future. You can earn up to a certain amount without it affecting the amount of Universal Credit you get. This is called a 鈥榳ork allowance鈥�.
If you鈥檙e fit for work
You鈥檒l need to agree to look for work that is suitable for your health condition.
You鈥檒l get the standard allowance of Universal Credit based on your circumstances.
If you need to prepare to work in the future
You need to prepare to work in the future, but have limited capability for work now. You can work if you feel able to do so.
Your work coach will discuss your situation and agree steps to help you start preparing for work. For example, by writing a CV.
If you have limited capability for work and work related activity
You do not need to look for work or prepare for work. You can work if you feel able to do so.
You may get extra money as well as your standard allowance.
Your claimant commitment
You鈥檒l need to agree to do certain things to keep getting Universal Credit. This is known as your 鈥�claimant commitment鈥�.
Your commitment is based on your situation and may be affected by the decision after your Work Capability Assessment.
Reassessments
You鈥檒l get a letter if you need another assessment in the future.
If you start working, you will not need to have another assessment unless your health condition changes.