Lcwra. Can they stop my payments due to my husband's earnings?

Drake12

Hi everyone I just have a question I've been awarded lcwra, I've had my back pay but since then I've had no money regarding lcwra universal credit have said its because of what my husband earns but surely this money is to help me with my disability, surely they can't stop any payments due to my husbands earnings 

poppy123456

UC is a means tested benefit so you need to claim as a couple and your joint circumstances will be taken into consideration. You will have the work allowance, which means a certain amount of earnings received each month will be ignored. The work allowance is either £573/month if you don't claim for help with the rent or £344/month if you do.

Any earnings received that's above this will reduce your UC by 55%. The more earnings your husband receives the less UC you will be entitled to. So, yes your UC could be reduced to zero.

You need to check your statements to see what elements are included. They should include the LCWRA element, standard element and any other elements you maybe entitled to.

Unfortunately, having a disability and not being able to work, doesn't automatically entitle you to UC.

Have you looked at claiming PIP? It's a disability benefit that isn't means tested so earnings/capital/savings do not affect the amount you maybe entitled to. Whether you qualify will totally depend on how your conditions affect you against the 12 PIP activities. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

calcotti

Drake12 said:.. but surely this money is to help me with my disability, surely they can't stop any payments due to my husbands earnings 

UC is to provide money to households on a low income. Because you have LCWRA you have an increased maximum amount for the household. However the amount payable still depends on your joint financial circumstances. 

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @drake12 Thank you for posting about your situation.

This is a point that we've seen raised on the community before, so you're not the only one to have found themselves in this difficult situation. 

Have the above comments helped to clear that up for you a little bit?