Work Capability Assessment - After the Work Capability Assessment (WCA)

After looking at the health care professional's report, your questionnaire and any other relevent information, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decision maker will decide whether you have scored enough points (15 points) to be considered to have Limited Capability for Work (LCW), and whether you satisfy any of the descriptors to have Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) / be placed in the Support Group.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If you get ESA, the decision maker will write to you to tell you the outcome of your Work Capability Assessment (WCA). 

You may be placed in the Work-Related Activity Group if you have LCW, or placed in the Support Group if you have LCWRA. If you are placed in the Support Group, you will not be expected to work or take part in work-related activity. 

Universal Credit

If you get Universal Credit, the decision maker will attach a letter to your journal to tell you the outcome of the WCA.

You can continue to get Universal Credit whether or not you have LCW or LCWRA. If you are found to have LCW, you might have to start looking for work.

If you are found to have LCWRA, you will usually get an extra amount of Universal Credit. From April 2026, there are two LCWRA rates. Read our UC health element guide for more information about payment rates. 

The decision maker's letter should contain a summary of the healthcare professional's report and a summary of the points you scored.

What if I disagree with the decision?

If you disagree with the decision, you can request a reconsideration of the decision.

For more information visit our:

• Challenging an Employment and Support Allowance decision guide
• How do I challenge a Universal Credit decision? guide