Pip and other benefits

karenh24

Hi can you help me I have no clue! I applied for PIP it's now gone to tribunal and they have requested medical notes, I suffer from anxiety and depression, I had a fall last year where I broke my coccyx and it hasn't healed nor have I managed to see the orthopaedic surgeon yet (covid lists I'm guessing).
In the letter from the court about my PIP it mentioned LWRCA and if I had applied, I had no clue about this. I've had a little look online so if i apply now will they  not ask why I haven't applied previously?
This whole thing is such a challenge it's like jumping through hoops and you could end up with nothing. Thanks 

calcotti

LCWRA applies if you are claiming UC. If you report a health condition you will be referred for a Work Capability Assessment which will determine whether or not you can retreated as having LCWRA. You will be unable to claim UC if you have more than £16,000 of capital. If you have a partner you will both have to apply for Uc ad whether or not any IC is payable will depend on your joint circumstances/

Whether or not you have applied for LCWRA should make no difference to the determination of your PIP claim.

As regards medical note, you can ask your GP for a copy of your medical records.

poppy123456

LCWRA is part of Universal Credit. As it’s a means tested benefit whether you qualify will depend on your circumstances. If you live with a partner you’ll need to claim as a couple and your joint circumstances will be taken into consideration. 

Do you currently work or claim and other benefits?

karenh24

Thank you, sorry for not putting all the info I do already get UC and I've requested the notes from my GP. Initially my PIP claim I got zero points and like most I've read on here the assessor altered everything I said so I have put that across to the tribunal for e.g. I said I can use a sat nav but I wouldn't travel somewhere alone, assessor tried to say yes I can go out alone and use a sat nav to get there, also said things like I finished uni in 2015 so how can I suffer from anxiet etc 

poppy123456

For your PIP Tribunal you need to put the assessment to one side and forget about it because this isn't going to get you a PIP award. You need to concentrate on the weaknesses in your evidence and also state where and why you think you should have scored those points.

For LCWRA you can report a change of circumstances on your journal and report your health condition. You'll need to report a fit note within 7 days of that and continue to send them without any gaps until a decision is made on your work capability assessment.

If you're currently working and earning more than 16xNMW per week then you can't be referred for a work capability assessment unless you have a PIP award. More information in link. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition