carers element universal credit

karen70

Hoping for a bit of advice/help

what is the process of adding carers element of universal credit?

partner is waiting for decision or appointment after filling in a WCA50 form in October 2025

partner has been offered the option of becoming a carer for a person in receipt of pip

we both currently claim u/c

I have lcwra so get the extra payment each month

will dwp cancel partners WCA50 form if they claim the carers element?

will I lose my lcwra payment if partner receives the carers element?

it's a joint/linked claim after migrating from esa

Any help advice will be really appreciated

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

Assuming you have an online claim with a journal, you can just go on there and click 'make a change'. Then follow the links to declare that your partner started caring for this person on a specific date.

This will not automatically stop the Health Journey. That will continue unless you specifically ask to stop it.

If your partner is awarded Carers Element then it will not affect your LCWRA. A joint couple are allowed one LCWRA and one Carers Element on the claim.

If you have any Transitional Protection on your claim then that would be reduced by the amount of Carers Element so you may not be financially better off if that is the case.

Holly_Scope

Hi @karen70 your partner can claim carers allowance however if they're successful at claiming LCWRA, then this will be awarded and the carers element removed as you cannot claim both. It can be quite complex with a joint claim, so it might be best to speak to a benefits specialist for some support with this. Citizens Advice can support with this.