Understanding work and benefits

Loumc48

I’m a carer for my husband and on Carers allowance, PIP and carers element and together we are on UC. My husband is also gets ESA, PIP sand LCWRA.

I’ve been offered a few hours a week work totalling £600 per month . I know I can earn up to £151 per week with CA but would I be any better off as UC will deduct although I am not sure how much.

I do not want to take the job as I don’t like leaving my husband alone but it is a case of needs must if it will help us financially.

Also, what will happen with my PIP? I have PTSD but am specifically interested in this job because I will be working on my own as not good with strangers and conversations with those I do not know. Will I need to tell them I am working and will they take it away from me ?

After ten months following my husbands accident, I still don’t know all the answers .

Thanks

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

PIP doesn't automatically get taken away by working. If the work contradicts the reason you were awarded PIP then that can cause problems, but it doesn't sound like it will in this case.

There is a monthly work allowance on UC. Currently that is £404 if you get housing element for rent. Or £673 if you don't. Any earnings above that create a deduction of 55% from your UC.

So for example, if you have the £404 allowance and earn £504 one month. The difference is £100. 55% of 100 is £55. So there would be a deduction of £55 from your UC that month.

However, that usually applies to people who have limited capability for work. If you're classed a carer but didn't have a WCA, then I'm not totally sure whether it still applies in this case.

Kimi87

Your UC claim is a joint one, due to husbands LCWRA (and if there was a dependent child on claim, either qualifies) you have what's known as a work allowance on your claim.

Usually UC would deduct £0.55 for every £1 earned, from your entire wage.

The work allowance is an amount you can earn and keep before deductions are made.

This is currently £404 (if claiming Housing Element) or £673 (without HE).

The amounts are changing to £411 & £684 in April.

Carers Allowance earnings limit is also increasing to £195 in April.

PIP isn't paid based on work status so you don't need to inform them.

Loumc48

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/994568#Comment_994568

thank you !

Loumc48

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/994569#Comment_994569

thank you !

OverlyAnxious

You're welcome. And another thanks to Kimmy for confirming the work allowance applies to the claim, not the individual.🙂