It’s true that in some specific medical or life situations, you can qualify automatically for LCWRA (Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity) under Universal Credit.
These situations include having a terminal illness, undergoing cancer treatment, experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, moving from ESA Support Group to Universal Credit without a break, or receiving certain high-level disability benefits after State Pension age.
If none of these apply to you, you will usually need to go through a Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
Key Points at a Glance
- Some serious health conditions or benefit circumstances can qualify you automatically for LCWRA.
- Terminal illness and cancer treatment are the clearest routes.
- If you do not meet an automatic route, you must complete a Work Capability Assessment.
- Strong medical evidence is essential in every case.
What Is LCWRA Under Universal Credit?
LCWRA is an extra element within Universal Credit designed for people whose health condition or disability makes it unreasonable to expect them to work or take part in work-related activities.
If you are placed in the LCWRA group:
- You are not required to look for work.
- You do not need to attend job-related activities.
- You receive an additional monthly payment, which in 2026 is around £416.19.
This group is similar to the old ESA Support Group and provides continuity for people who moved from ESA to Universal Credit.
Is There a List of Conditions That Automatically Qualify?
There is no fixed list of medical conditions that automatically guarantee LCWRA. The decision is based on how your condition affects you, not just the diagnosis itself.
However, there are clearly defined situations under Universal Credit Regulations where you can be treated as having LCWRA without going through a full assessment. These include terminal illness, cancer treatment, certain high-risk pregnancies, ESA Support Group transfers, and some pension-age disability benefit cases.
Everyone else must complete a Work Capability Assessment.
The Five Main Routes to Automatic LCWRA
1. Terminal Illness
Under the Special Rules for End of Life, if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness and expected to live 12 months or less, you automatically qualify for LCWRA.
You do not need to complete a UC50 form or attend an assessment. A healthcare professional must submit an SR1 form to the DWP. Once processed, the LCWRA element is paid immediately without a waiting period.
This process is designed to reduce stress and provide quick financial support during a very difficult time.
2. Cancer Treatment or Recovery
If you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or are about to begin treatment within six months, you can usually be treated as having LCWRA automatically.
The DWP recognises that cancer treatment often causes:
- Severe fatigue
- Weakened immune system
- Cognitive difficulties
- Emotional strain
Medical evidence such as hospital letters, consultant reports, or treatment plans is required. Even after treatment ends, you may still qualify if the effects continue to limit your ability to function.
3. High-Risk Pregnancy
Pregnancy alone does not qualify for LCWRA. However, if working or attending work-related activities would pose a serious risk to your health or your baby’s health, you may qualify automatically.
Examples include:
- Severe pre-eclampsia
- History of premature birth
- Serious placental issues
- High-risk multiple pregnancies
A written medical statement from a qualified professional is needed to confirm the risk. If accepted, you are not required to attend Jobcentre appointments or work-related activities during pregnancy.
4. Moving from ESA Support Group
If you were in the ESA Support Group and move to Universal Credit without a break in your claim, you are usually placed straight into LCWRA.
To qualify:
- You must have been in the ESA Support Group.
- There must be no gap in your claim.
- Your health condition must not have significantly changed.
In this case, you do not need to complete a new assessment unless the DWP decides to review your circumstances.
5. Pension-Age Claimants Receiving Certain Disability Benefits
Some claimants over State Pension age who already receive high-level disability benefits may automatically be treated as having LCWRA.
These benefits can include:
- Enhanced rate Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Higher rate Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Adult Disability Payment (higher rate)
- Attendance Allowance
The DWP accepts these benefits as evidence of significant care or support needs.
What If You Do Not Qualify Automatically?
If none of the automatic routes apply, you must complete a Work Capability Assessment.
This involves:
- Submitting a UC50 form
- Providing fit notes from your GP
- Possibly attending a medical assessment (phone, video, or in person)
The decision focuses on how your condition affects your daily functioning, especially on your worst days. Outcomes can be:
- Fit for work
- Limited Capability for Work (LCW)
- Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA)
LCWRA Descriptors
LCWRA decisions are often based on specific functional limitations, such as:
- Unable to walk more than 50 metres without severe discomfort
- Cannot rise from a seated position without help
- Cannot lift or carry light items
- Significant communication difficulties
- Severe problems coping with change or social interaction
- Inability to complete basic tasks safely
Meeting one of these descriptors can place you in the LCWRA group.
What Is “Substantial Risk” (Regulation 35)?
Even if you do not meet a descriptor, you may qualify under Regulation 35 if being required to work or attend job-related activities would pose a serious risk to your health or someone else’s health.
This often applies in cases involving:
- Severe mental health conditions
- Fluctuating neurological disorders
- Chronic fatigue conditions
- High relapse risk
Strong medical evidence is essential for this route.
What Evidence Do You Need?
Evidence is critical. The DWP looks at how your condition limits your function, not just the diagnosis.
Helpful documents include:
- Fit notes from your GP
- A fully completed UC50 form
- Consultant or specialist letters
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Care plans
- Statements from carers or family
Clear, detailed explanations about how your condition affects you daily are very important.
LCW vs LCWRA
There are two main health-related groups under Universal Credit:
LCW (Limited Capability for Work)
You are not expected to work immediately, but you may need to prepare for work in the future.
LCWRA (Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity)
You are not required to work or prepare for work at all and receive an extra monthly payment.
What If Your Health Changes?
You must report any significant changes to your health or circumstances, including:
- Your condition improving or worsening
- Hospital admissions
- Returning to work
- Changes in living arrangements
Failure to report changes could affect your payments.
Final Thoughts
You can automatically qualify for LCWRA in specific situations, such as terminal illness, cancer treatment, high-risk pregnancy, ESA Support Group transfer, or certain pension-age disability benefits.
If none of these apply, you can still qualify through the Work Capability Assessment by clearly showing how your condition limits your ability to carry out work-related activities.
Understanding the rules, gathering strong evidence, and explaining your situation clearly will significantly improve your chances of success.
FAQs
Can you get LCWRA for anxiety or depression?
Yes, if your condition severely limits your ability to work or creates a substantial risk to your health.
Do you need PIP to qualify for LCWRA?
No. PIP is separate, though receiving enhanced PIP can support your case.
How long does approval take?
Payments usually begin after three full assessment periods following your first fit note, unless you qualify automatically.
Can you work part-time and still receive LCWRA?
Yes, depending on how your condition affects your ability to work.
Can carers qualify for LCWRA?
Yes, if they have their own qualifying health condition.
Does everyone go through a Work Capability Assessment?
No. Some people qualify automatically under specific rules.
