Hi, my name is johnC! LWCRA and Carers Allowance

johnC

Hi, bit of a long question about universal credit.

Me and my wife are in a joint claim with 2 kids still in education. I have had epilepsy all of my life. In the last few years, I have also been on the lower element of pip, and in the last year, it has moved up. My wife was claiming carers allowance. Universal had me down as LCW.

My wife's health has seriously deteriorated over the last two years. Having two heart attacks in 2022. She suffers with bad anxiety and depression and now has thyroid problems. We are both are taking long term meds. My wife still has a blocked valve in her heart also, so really, we have to look after each other 24/7, with the help of our kids.

I received a letter from the local council stating that I should be claiming LCWRA for my disabilities. We both applied. My wife is now claiming for this. Mine is still going through the process.

My wife received her first payment for LCWRA this month. But her carers allowance for having to look after me had been taken off.

If UC decide that I'm only entitled to LCW, same as before, could I claim for the carers allowance for her, or is this not allowed.

My condition has worsened over the last few years also. In August, I suffered a postictal Psychosis which had me in a mental hospital for four days after having a cluster of seizures. That's why we both need to care for each other in different ways.

Thanks

johnC

I kind of understand that only one can receive LCWRA. We both claim PIP, with her on the lower element and me on the higher one!

But does that then mean I neither of us can claim for the carers allowance.

Our kids are also carers for us both and go to a young carers group once a week so they can let their hair down as they have to do so much to help us both through each week!

chiarieds

Carer's allowance is deducted in full from UC. However, if your wife receives the daily living component of PIP, then you could claim the Carer element of UC which is £198.31 a month if you provide at least 35 hours care each week as Biblioklept said.

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/what-youll-get

johnC

I don't totally understand what you mean about the daily living component. I recive just under 600 per four weeks, whereas, my wife receives just under 300. We are kind of new to pip. And struggle to understand it all. We both get fog brain with all the meds we are taking lol.

chiarieds

Hi again @johnC - there's 2 parts to PIP, the daily living component (about washing, dressing, preparing food, etc) & the mobility component. Please see:

https://www.gov.uk/pip

https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-much-youll-get

The 2nd link shows how much a week you get for each component. If you check the amount your wife receives every 4 weeks then you can see if this includes the daily living part. If it's £290.60, which sounds likely, then this would be for the standard rate of the daily living component. In that case you could claim for the Carer's element of UC.

johnC

Thanks for that!!!