New guidance has been issued for Universal Credit claimants who have a disability or health condition, detailing available support and financial assistance. The update clarifies situations requiring a fit note after a Work Capability Assessment and how Universal Credit supports those able to work or prepare for it.
From 6 April, the additional payment for those assessed with limited capability for work and work-related activities (LCWRA) is now split into a higher and lower rate. Claimants usually need to wait three assessment periods before receiving the LCWRA amount.
The rules for being treated as terminally ill have been updated. This now applies when a medical professional indicates a life expectancy of less than 12 months, an increase from the previous 6-month period. If a medical professional states a claimant has less than 6 months to live, they will not be required to have a Claimant Commitment or face sanctions.
The guidance also confirms that if you are entitled to either the limited capability for work (LCW) payment or the LCWRA payment, and the carer’s amount, you will receive the larger of the two amounts, not both.