LCWRA and caring

claragal32

Hello everybody I hope someone can help me!  My husband and I have been accessing UC since my husband partially lost his sight and has been unable to work last year.  He has been awarded LCWRA and last week hospital told us that his level of sight will now not improve.  I work 25hrs per week but it’s becoming harder and harder for my husband to be safe on his own as his sight deteriorates.  If I reduce my hrs on even quit my job to become his carer will we still be entitled to any UC it will it stop as neither of us will be in work or looking for work.  I am so conflicted as to what to do to keep my husband safe but also our family able to eat!!! Thankyou for any responses 

poppy123456

Does your husband claim a disability benefit such as PIP daily living or DLA mid/high rate care? If they do then you can claim carers element of UC for looking after him. This will increase your maximum UC entitlement by £168.81/month and you won't have any work commiments so reducing your hours or given up work will not affect you.

However, if he doesn't claim either of those benefits then you won't be able to claim carers element. If you reduce your hours or quit then there could be a sanction on your UC.