Pip assessment and Lwrca connection

Jane315STARX

I am now wondering if having this pip assessment this week over the phone in any way affects the position of the benefits I already hold?.For example I was found over 20 years ago to be unable to work.I intend to be totally honest ( obviously) but I don't have a carer and I now look after a child.I am sick myself.Will I still qualify? Can they take my existing Lwrca off me if they assessment doesn't go well?.I don't know how Dwp departments work and if these are all connected

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

Generally PIP assessments won't affect LCWRA at all. They aren't directly connected.

In a very small number of cases, a failed PIP assessment (0 points) can lead to an investigation on a working benefit such as ESA or UC if it appears like you don't have many health limitations. But that really is so rare that it's not worth worrying about.

Jane315STARX

This is exactly what I'm concerned about especially now the government is looking into minimising benefits in every avenue.We don't know the percentages or have access to what 'they' have been told to do.But I remember reading a while back that requirements to meet the Lwrca meant having been on pip too?.I have read stories where people clearly meet the criteria but have scored 0 so am now wondering if they will use this as a lever to stop the lwrca

poppy123456

I’ve never know that to happen but that’s not saying it doesn’t. If it does It’s extremely rare.

PIP and the WCA are completely different and one isn’t related to the other.

Jane315STARX

Thanks Poppy I will try and ve optimistic then.Its just when you hear so many injustices where people clearly have a need and I know I do too.I just don't know if I can convey this in a way that can get these government boxes ticked

Jimm_Alumni

Hi @Jane315STARX, it's extremely rare that your PIP assessment will have an effect on your other benefits. They would also need to review and re-assess your LCWRA if they wanted to do something with it and you would still be able to appeal via Mandatory Reconsideration and Tribunal. 🙂

How are you feeling about your assessment? You can read more about advice for the assessment here: PIP | Disability charity Scope UK

Jane315STARX

Thank you Jimm_scope.I am very nervous about the whole thing.But have decided that I need to go ahead with it.Thank you very much for the further information too

Jane315STARX

Apparently these new health assessment teams in different areas of the country are taking over all benefits to streamline the system and make it easier for the dwp

Jane315STARX

Can I still get pip if I'm a carer?

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/936728#Comment_936728

Yes.

You are right about the assessment providers, that has changed very recently, so we don't have much experience to draw on from that yet.

So far there is no requirement to get LCWRA in order to get PIP. Using the same assessment for both was discussed by the previous government but hasn't started yet, and may never happen at all.

Jane315STARX

Just had the assessment.It lasted an hour and a half and I was a complete wreck.The phone didn't ring at the alloted time so I called them on my other mobile in a total state.They said that perhaps the assessor was off sick.Eventually she called and by this time I was a total mess.So the waiting begins.

Jimm_Alumni

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/937297#Comment_937297

I hope you get a good result from it! I know it's incredibly stressful, please do take care of yourself. Is there perhaps something you can do to treat yourself for managing to get through it?

Jane315STARX

Thank you for such a lovely reply.Compared to the Universal credit migration I found it actually nowhere near as stressful.Infact the stress I've faced with this migration and how it's made me feel I think will probably have an impact on my life now ever.I am bewildered by the stories of how seamless it's been for some.I am so pleased for them and hope that there are more positive outcomes for everyone