ESA/LCWRA

Giantdaz74

I have recently been assessed with LCWRA, i have a joint UC claim with my wife who also has LWCRA, i am on ESA too but according to what i've read we won't receive any extra money for my assessment, i currently work 10 hours pw and am a full time carer for my wife, so while i have been deemed 'unfit' for work i will still have to work as without the extra we would be no better off, or have i misunderstood this?

Spoonie_Turtle

Giantdaz74 said:

I have recently been assessed with LCWRA, i have a joint UC claim with my wife who also has LWCRA, i am on ESA too but according to what i've read we won't receive any extra money for my assessment, i currently work 10 hours pw and am a full time carer for my wife, so while i have been deemed 'unfit' for work i will still have to work as without the extra we would be no better off, or have i misunderstood this?

That's correct, only one LCWRA element can be paid per claim. Presumably you receive the carer element as well?

Your ESA should increase from the 13th week but it will still be deducted in full from UC so indeed, still no better off financially.

Giantdaz74

Spoonie_Turtle said:

Giantdaz74 said:

I have recently been assessed with LCWRA, i have a joint UC claim with my wife who also has LWCRA, i am on ESA too but according to what i've read we won't receive any extra money for my assessment, i currently work 10 hours pw and am a full time carer for my wife, so while i have been deemed 'unfit' for work i will still have to work as without the extra we would be no better off, or have i misunderstood this?

That's correct, only one LCWRA element can be paid per claim. Presumably you receive the carer element as well?

Your ESA should increase from the 13th week but it will still be deducted in full from UC so indeed, still no better off financially.

Thanks for that, so pretty much pointless awarding me that as i still need to work to make ens meet then, seems a bit backward.

poppy12345

Spoonie_Turtle said:

Giantdaz74 said:

I have recently been assessed with LCWRA, i have a joint UC claim with my wife who also has LWCRA, i am on ESA too but according to what i've read we won't receive any extra money for my assessment, i currently work 10 hours pw and am a full time carer for my wife, so while i have been deemed 'unfit' for work i will still have to work as without the extra we would be no better off, or have i misunderstood this?

Your ESA should increase from the 13th week but it will still be deducted in full from UC so indeed, still no better off financially.

To be clear, it's from the 14th week. Assessment phase lasts for 13 weeks. https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/what-youll-get Although as you advised, it will make no difference to overall benefits entitlement anyway. 

Giantdaz74

So had a call from DWP to confirm, basically my ESA will increase but what they give will be taken off by UC anyway, not only that but i have some backpay which should be nice but they also informed me that will be classed as overpayment and will need to be paid back.
I said to the bloke i spoke to that it's pretty pointless really as i've been deemed unfit for work, mainly due to cardiac issues and Osteoarthritis, but financially i'll actually be worse off due to the 'overpayment' so can't really not work despite being deemed 'unfit' to, he totally agreed and said it did seem odd that they give it on one hand and take it back with the other one.
Surely there would be some help in a situation where both in a couple have been deemed unfit for work as they're basically saying neither me or my wife should work but by doing this make couples worse off, has anyone any experience of this or advice? obviously i'll have to carry on working as it's not an option, i just worry it may make my health conditions worse.