Career element universal credit

Tanya118

good good afternoon everyone I have just received a msg from universal credit there was a mix up regarding my career element. They said that they are going to back date will take effect from 24-03-2020 can anyone tell me what this means please? I have never even heard of cares element before ? Thank you xx 

Tanya118

poppy123456

The carers element is paid to someone that cares for someone claiming a qualifying disability benefit such as PIP daily living, DLA mid/high rate care or Attendance Allowance, providing you care for them for at least 35 hours per week.

From April 2022 carers element was £168.81/month, in previous years it would have been slightly less. This means they owe you about 20 months of carers element. (providing you weren't receiving the LCWRA element during that time)

Before they can pay you they will need to recalculate your past statements to work out what you should have been paid, against what you have been paid and you will then receive the difference between the 2. Once the statements have been recalculated they will replace your exisiting ones so if you want to keep copies you should take screenshots now.

Once this is done you'll receive a letter on your journal telling you how much they owe you and it will then be paid into your bank.

Tanya118

Thank you !! I can’t believe that I didn’t even know it was actually UC that got in touch with me about it I had no idea.. do you think they will give me the full backdate or would they take money off me ? 

Tanya118

They have just rang me stating the backdate payment would be only from March till October 6 months but on the decision it says from 2020 I don’t understand x

poppy123456

Tanya118 said:

They have just rang me stating the backdate payment would be only from March till October 6 months but on the decision it says from 2020 I don’t understand x

Were you receiving the LCWRA element for yourself at anytime during that period?

Tanya118

Yes 

Tanya118

Yes I started receiving LCWRA it would have been roundabout last October 2021 when I started to receive that I’m sure x 

Tanya118

poppy123456

Tanya118 said:

Yes I started receiving LCWRA it would have been roundabout last October 2021 when I started to receive that I’m sure x 

Then that will be the reason why. The same person can't receive the LCWRA element and the carers element at the same time. The highest element will always be paid.