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Original poster

UC and PIP help please- What do I do?

12 replies

botheredand · 20/10/2023 14:44

I'll try to keep this brief and clear and not drip feed!

I am disabled and chronically ill
I receive £270 PIP- though this may be increased due to a change in my health

I have applied for UC LCW and am appealing their decision that I am capable for work- I do not fit the criteria for this and genuinely believe the decision is wrong.

If I do not successfully appeal LCW, I will have the UC base rate of £292 and £270 PIP. What do I do? I can't live on that- but despite being bedbound most days I'm not 'ill enough' for LCW.

I'm new to being ill and am very confused!

TIA x

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 20/10/2023 14:50

So if I am understanding correctly you have had your UC work capability assessment and were awarded LCW rather than LCWRA and you are appealing this decision? If so there is nothing that can be done other than wait for the decision of the appeal and provide as much medical evidence as you can in support of the appeal. If you have asked for your PIP award to be re-assessed then the same, it's just a waiting game really.
See if your local council has a household support fund you can apply to for some fuel or food vouchers. You should receive the £300 cost of living payment that all on UC are receiving soon from 31/10/23 as long as you were claiming UC during the qualifying period. What is your housing situation - do you have rent to pay, are you getting rent element on your UC ?

Babyroobs · 20/10/2023 14:54

And sadly PIP re-assessments are literally taking many months at the moment and whilst of course money is backdated if awarded at a higher rate, it doesn't help in the meantime.

Nochoiceleft · 20/10/2023 14:55

If, as you seem to be saying, you think you should be LCW rather than fit for work then just be aware there is no extra amount paid for LCW.
The extra amount is for LCWRA.

Original poster
botheredand · 20/10/2023 14:55

I have been told I'm capable for work, so appealing the LCW element.
I'm not eligible for the £300 because I was working up until end of Sept so I think I'm out of the eligibility period. I live with my parents (who can't support me) so no rent element. Good shout with local council, I'll see what's available

Thank you @Babyroobs x

OP posts:
Original poster
botheredand · 20/10/2023 14:59

Nochoiceleft · 20/10/2023 14:55

If, as you seem to be saying, you think you should be LCW rather than fit for work then just be aware there is no extra amount paid for LCW.
The extra amount is for LCWRA.

  • Limited capability for work element (LCW) £146.31 per month. or
  • Limited capability for work-related activity element (LCWRA) £390.06 per month.
This is what i've read in most places- is it not true?
OP posts:
Original poster
botheredand · 20/10/2023 15:00

Also, I would at some point like to live with my partner- as he would be my carer when he isn't working (though isn't eligible for Carers Allowance!)

I'm assuming his earnings would affect my UC LCW if I got it?

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 20/10/2023 15:01

botheredand · 20/10/2023 14:59

  • Limited capability for work element (LCW) £146.31 per month. or
  • Limited capability for work-related activity element (LCWRA) £390.06 per month.
This is what i've read in most places- is it not true?
Show quote history

There is no payment for LCW now. That figure of £146.31 is for people who were awarded it before 2017 or were awarded the old WRAG group of ESA and transferred to UC.

Thejackrussellsrule · 20/10/2023 15:02

No, the LCW element is only payable to people who had the award by 2015, there's no increase after that date.

Babyroobs · 20/10/2023 15:06

botheredand · 20/10/2023 15:00

Also, I would at some point like to live with my partner- as he would be my carer when he isn't working (though isn't eligible for Carers Allowance!)

I'm assuming his earnings would affect my UC LCW if I got it?

Yes his earnings would affect your UC. He could get a carers element on a joint Uc claim even if he earns too much to claim carers allowance. If you were awarded LCW or LCWRA then you would also get a work allowance on your joint claim meaning a portion of his earnings is disregarded before his earnings reduce your UC. This is designed to give more help where one of a couple is unable to work. However depending on your partners earnings they may still be too high to qualify for any UC as a couple. It's not possible to tell without knowing earnings.
Op as you say you have recently finished work, then if you have been working and paying NI contributions for the past 2-3 years you should look at claiming new style ESA alongside UC or instead of as this would be protected when you move in with your partner as it is no means tested. It would be deducted form your Uc though so you are not likely to be better off now by claiming it, but should think about it if your LCW decision is revised and goes in your favour.

Original poster
botheredand · 20/10/2023 16:45

My partner earns around £1500

I haven't worked for long, we had a baby 3 years ago, she passed away. I started working less than 6 months before I got ill.

This is really helpful @Babyroobs thank you

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 20/10/2023 16:55

botheredand · 20/10/2023 16:45

My partner earns around £1500

I haven't worked for long, we had a baby 3 years ago, she passed away. I started working less than 6 months before I got ill.

This is really helpful @Babyroobs thank you

I'm sorry to read that.
If his earnings are £1500 then you would likely get some UC if you were awarded LCWRA and he claims carers element.

Original poster
botheredand · 20/10/2023 17:16

That gives me hope! They've estimated I'll hear within 2 weeks of the appeal so not long to wait now. I've requested an appt with someone to make sure I'm getting everything I can, and to estimate what I can get when I move in with DP

Thank you all, you've calmed a very distressed woman down!

OP posts:
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