Hi, my name is Ruthsclogs123!

Ruthsclogs123

Hi , Looking for some advice please. My son is 18 years old and has quadriplegic cerebral palsy registered blind and needs all aspects of care 24/7

Recently unable to attend college due to his lungs deteriorating and I’ve had to take him out of full time education. As a result social security and universal credit have more than reduced payments by 50%

It doesn’t make sense as expenses have only increased heating power fuel etc Also caring 24/7 more stress

How long does it take to sort out his own universal credit and is there anything else which would help income (I’m still waiting on the sick not he will need for the Drs

luvpink

@Ruthsclogs123

Hi and a very warm welcome to the community.

Sorry I'm unable to answer your benefits query but there are various threads here you could post in for advice ie Cerebral palsy and Universal credit.

@Cerebalpalsy

@universalcredit

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

It only takes a few days to set up your sons UC account for the basic income (approx £340 a month). The first payment should arrive around 5 weeks after opening the account.

However, it is likely to take longer to get the health element (LCWRA) added as he will need to complete the Work Capability Assessment. Given his conditions, I don't see any reason for them to refuse LCWRA in this case.

Sadly, as the claim will be started after April 6th 2026, the LCWRA element is now only around £215 extra. For claims started before that date, it was around £430 extra. There is nothing you can do about that now unfortunately.

I assume you are already receiving the Carers Element on your own UC claim? That is separate to the Disabled Child Element which can no longer be claimed since he ended full time education.

I would also expect him to be awarded Enhanced rates of PIP. If either of those are Standard Rate then it would be worth looking at those again.

Your local council may also offer some Council Tax Reduction based on your circumstances, however that is area dependent and not something we can really advise on from a national forum.

Mary_Scope

Hi @Ruthsclogs123 and a warm welcome to the community from me!

I see OverlyAnxious has already answered your question and given some good advice so I won't add much else but it's lovely to have you here and I hope you enjoy your time on the community😊

We do have a CP network with three CP specialists @SaraC_Scope @Lucy_Scope @Richard_Scope who offer specialist support to people with CP and their families😊

Lucy_Scope

Hi @Ruthsclogs123

Welcome to the Community 😊

We have our online Cerebral Palsy Network. It is a group of people with lived experience of cerebral palsy. We have monthly online meetings on a Wednesday evening. We also have a monthly newsletter.

Best wishes,

Lucy