Universal credit confusion help please

confusedBP01

Ok I’m so confused can anyone clear something up 
if I started my universal credit application on the 20th August but say I don’t finish all the “todo” sections until 1st September . When would my assessment period start ? The 20th or the 1st? 3 people at UC have told me different things . Citizens advise two advisors two separate things .

I started the application in advance as I have MH and these things take me time I have to break it down . 

Someone please help 

poppy123456

Your claim will not start until it’s been submitted so if you submitted your claim on 20th of the month then your assessment periods will be 20th to 19th of every month, with payment on 26th of the month. 

You need to make sure everything on your to do list is completed by the last day of your AP otherwise it can affect your entitlement. 

confusedBP01

Thank you for your reply , I haven’t fully completed the application . I’m just trying to figure out if submitted claim is when I finished all the sections of the application or when I first started it . I wount get it all done until end of next week buts started it 20th . So my AP is from the 20th when I started it ? 

poppy123456

As you haven't fully completed the application then you wouldn't have submitted the claim so the assessment period hasn't started yet. It won't start until it's been submitted. Once all those sections have been completed you can then submit the claim.

Your first payment will be 1 month and 1 week after you submit your claim (if there's any entitlement)

If you have a health condition that limits your capability to work and haven't yet been through the work capability assessment then you'll need to make sure you report this and provide a fit note within 7 days of that.

confusedBP01

Thanks so much I do have a sick note doctor provided me one last week , and as I believe I will have to submit 91 days in total from the application date ? X

poppy123456

You're welcome. You need to continue to provide the fit notes without any gaps until a decision is made on your WCA. This can often be longer than the 3 month waiting period. If found to have LCWRA then the extra money is paid from the 4th month of your claim, with money at the end of that 4th month. If it takes longer than this then you'll receive any money that's owed.

Please note, the LCWRA element isn't paid at all during the waiting period.

confusedBP01

Thank you so so much yes I understand this someone from a different forum (moderator ) was adamant it’s from the date I created my online account and started submitting the “to-do” ie health work name , home , . I did it in advance of having to leave work . So I panicked ,I can’t do these things all in one I have to do little bits and go back have a few days go back etc 

poppy123456

The claim doesn't exist until you actually submit it. Before you submit it there will be a warning that other benefits such as Tax credits will end if you continue.

confusedBP01

Thank you once again . I have had 48 hours of so much stress and anxiety , with even UC helpline advisors all saying something different . You have helped more than you realise . Thank you once again . ❤️

poppy123456

You’re very welcome, glad I could help! Although it’s a helpline they are not benefits advisors, they are call centre staff with very little knowledge. They mostly sit there reading from a screen.

If you need further advice then please don’t be afraid to ask. There’s always someone here that can advise further!