Working hours if you're a carer for partner but they dont qualify for LCWRA?

ancojo2

What happens in this scenario:-

If a disabled or ill person who gets PIP has a partner carer claiming CA to look after them doesn't get placed in the LCWRA group and are then made to look for work, how many hours or how much are they expected to earn so as not to be chased to look for work anymore and can the carer find the job instead?

I know for individual claimants, the AET is £892 per assessment period.

If you’re in a couple, the combined couple’s AET is £1,437 per assessment period.

However as one person is a carer do these figures change in anyway or would the "Disabled/ill" person who has not been placed in LCWRA have to find work to meet the couples or individual AET?

I hope this all makes sense?

poppy12345

As your partner is a carer then it will be the single person AET. Have you taken a look at the descriptors for LCW and LCWRA? If so and you think you qualify are you aware than you can challenge the decision by requesting the Mandatory Reconsideration?

You can see the descriptors for both here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

ancojo2

Thanks Poppy, we are currently in the process of applying so I'm jumping the gun as I worry to much about the outcome due to some of the stories I've read online!

Please can you or anyone else answer where I add the extra sheet of paper for each question as the boxes on the form dont provide enough space for the answers? Do I attach them to to the same page of each question or all together numbered at the back of the form on page 21 - Other Information?

Thanks again

poppy12345

It doesn't matter where you add the extra sheets to, just make sure you state on there which question it relates to. Also remember to include your name and NI number to everything. 

huckster

When the person who is carrying out caring reports they are caring for someone. Under report a change menu on UC homepage. It asks if the person being cared for is in receipt of PIP or other disabled benefit and ask if they care for the person for 35 hours or more per week.

If the cared for person receives care rate PIP, caring is 35 or more hours per week and nobody else is down as carer, then the caring activity should be verified. And the person caring is placed in no work related activities and has no required work hours.

The cared for person needs to report fit notes on UC claim and go through Work Capability Assessment process. They may have their claimant commitment switched off so they don't need to be available for work while waiting the assessment outcome, but they will be required to attend Job Cente appointments,  but not regular while waiting for assessment outcome. But get advice re assessment form and actual assessment from benefits advice service as Poppy advised.