Should I apply?

Hi,

The disability element of tax credits under UC is the LCWRA element. Receiving PIP doesn't automatically qualify you for this. To claim this, you need to send in sick/fit notes and claim limited capability for work (LCW) once you're referred you'll be sent a work capability assessment form, which needs to be filled in and returned, with all your supporting evidence. You'll then most likely need a face to face assessment, similar to PIP but with different criteria. Once a decision is made if you're given LCWRA then you'll receive the extra £328 per month. If you're not given LCWRA then you won't receive the extra. It's definitely not what it seems.

When you filled out the benefits calculator did you tick the box that says something like (limited capability for work) it sounds like you did and this is could be why it's given this calculation.

There's also a work allowance that payable but to receive this will depend on circumstances. If you have dependent children or claim LCW then you'll receive the work allowance. How much you receive will depend if you claim the housing element or not. The work allowance means that you can earn that amount of money before you start to receive any deductions.

Explain here. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-work-allowances/universal-credit-work-allowances

My advice is don't claim UC until you've got face to face advice from an advice centre near you because once you claim it, you can't go back onto tax credits. I'm not saying you'll be worse off because some are better off depending on circumstances.