LCWRA / PIP

steve219hull

I have had assessment from universal credit and was awarded LCWRA .because of my emphysema .
I dont get anymore payment or back pay due to my wife already getting the same award .
My neighbour suggested i put in for pip but wondered if it would effect what we already get as a couple .

poppy123456

You were informed correctly that because your wife already receives the LCWRA element on your UC you won't receive it because you can only receive one per claim.

PIP isn't means tested so has nothing to do with UC or LCWRA element so it won't affect your UC in a bad way. Does your wife claim either PIP daily living or DLA mid/high rate care? If so then you can claim carers element of UC if you look after her for at least 35 hours per week. This will increase your maximum UC entitlement by £168.81/month.

If she doesn't and you claim PIP yourself, if successfully awarded daily living part then your wife can claim carers element, while you receive the LCWRA element, this way you be receiving your maximum UC entitlement.

You can see the descriptors here. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

There's also some good information here (though it's a lot to read) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

steve219hull

No she doesnt claim pip or carers allowance its all new to us has we both have always work.
So what do you suggest we both do plz ..

poppy123456

If you think you qualify for PIP then you can both start a claim. As i advised, it won't affect your UC in a bad way. I can't tell you whether you would qualify because i don't know how your conditions affect you.

steve219hull

Ok thx .wife had put in for pip last yr and was refused .im at stage 3 emphysema so i think i will put in for pip while she can then put in for carers .

poppy123456

Did your wife challenge that PIP decision? If not was there any reason why? PIP isn't awarded based on any diagnosis, it's how those conditions affect you against the 12 PIP activities. Please have a read of the links i posted because it does help to have some understanding before you apply.

If you're eventually awarded daily living then your wife will not need to claim carers allowance to be entitled to carers element of UC. If she did claim carers allowance then it would just be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.

steve219hull

Thankyou for advice .
One more thing i was wondering .after having my assessment  for LCWCA would i need another assessment for pip with dwp already having all my information .also would my doctor be sent more forms or go on what they know

poppy123456

Yes you will likely need another assessment for PIP because most people have them. PIP and LCWRA are different benefits with different criteria.

They very rarely contact anyone for any evidence so please don't expect them to do this. It's your responsibility to send evidence to support your claim.