Why haven't UC payments increased?

babs2629

I have a younger brother who has autism. He managed to hold down a little job for 30 years until he was made redundant 6 years ago. He was on Job Seekers Allowance, with a disability premium until last year when we were "persuaded " that he needed to change to UC. He is now 27 pounds a week worse off ( thank goodness for PIP ) and despite challenging a decision that he couldn't go on ESA. To add insult to injury, and this affects all, Universal Credit payments have not increased in the 18 months that he has been on it. Why is this so called benefit so different, as other benefits increased on a yearly basis?

poppy123456

Hi,

To claim limited capability for work (LCW) under UC then he needs to send in sick notes from his GP. A PIP claim doesn't automatically entitle you to LCW.

You say he challenged a decision? do you mean he had a work capability assessment for UC and they found him fit for work?

He will not receive any extra money unless he's given limited capability for work related activity (LCWRA) after a work capability assessment.

babs2629

Thanks for your comment. He has been given LCWRA, but no extra payment has been given

poppy123456

When was the decision made?

Are you sure it's LCWRA and not LCW? If it's just LCW (limited capability for work) then there won't be any extra payments because his claim started after April 2017.

babs2629

Sorry, just checked and it's LCW 

poppy123456

That will be the reason why he's not receiving any extra money. If his condition has got worse he can report worsening of condition and more work capability assessment forms will be sent. Evidence will be needed and most likely a work capability assessment. Do be aware that by doing this he could lose the LCW that he already has.

Topkitten

My local council never informs anyone of their rights and benefit qualifying situations and enforce this on their staff under the threat of instant dismissal if they are too helpful. When I first applied for benefits (many years ago) the lady quietly told me I should look into applying for 4 benefits but stated that she couldn't say any more or tell me which ones due to the unfair pressure from the Council rules.

From what I have heard from people and on TV it appears that UC doesn't work well and sometimes is so bad that some have committed suicide rather than try to get it right or get help. While people give up and don't fight back the Council's will get away with causing great distress and suffering.

Try to get any organisation on your side and able to assist you.

TK

Adrian_Scope

Hello @babs2629 and welcome to the community.
Unfortunately, lots of benefits were 'frozen' a number of years ago and haven't seen increases for some time, Job Seekers Allowance didn't increase this year either.