Hi, my name is scottgordon!I want to apply for UC/LCWRA, but I’m scared to apply in case I lose pip

scottgordon

I need some advice about LCWRA .  I have unipolar-depression with pyschosis (and CPTSD, OCD, and other stuff )
I get PiP high rate but now my rent has gone up I was going to apply for UCredit and read about LWCRA but I’m scared to apply in case I lose my PiP
I was dismissed from work and get tier one full medical pension but it’s not much.  I take 3 different meds anti depressants beta blockers and anti psychotic quetiapine 150 throughout the day .  It knocks me out and has restricted my life but it helps wigh the psychosis and insomnia .  Would being on this med at this doseage make me eligible for LCWRA or am I wrong.  My union rep advised me to apply four years  ago when I got dismissed but I didn’t do it . Any advice I’d be grateful to hear 

Albus_Scope

Hey there @scottgordon and welcome to the community.

Please don't worry about applying for UC, that wont have any effect on your PIP at all as they're two separate benefits. I'd be unable to say if you'd get LCWRA, as that's up to the DWP, but it'd be worth applying for sure.  

scottgordon

Thank you for the reply I appreciate it.  

poppy123456

It won't affect it in a bad way. When you claim UC please make sure you report your health condition and provide a fit note within 7 days of that. You must continue to provide a fit note without a gaps until a decision is made on your work capability assessment. 

Do also be aware that when you claim UC you will be treated as a job seeker until a decision is made on your WCA. It's a work coaches discretion to either turn off or reduce commitments, some do and others don't. 

scottgordon

Thanks for the really.  Do I need a fit note off my GP? I’ve got lots of evidence in other ways(psych reports etc) I  just hate going to my GP for these things. Thanks for your help 

poppy123456

Yes you will need to provide fit notes, without those they won't refer you for the work capability assessment. Once you're referred you will be sent the UC50 form to fill in and return. Make sure you send relevant evidence when you return that form. 

scottgordon

Thank you that’s helpful to know .  I will apply in August when my rent increases and see how it goes .