Hi, new here hope everyone’s good. Haven't been paid my UC, is this normal?

jodiefaye2779

Would like some help please if anybody is able to help me 

I put sick notes into my uc from June 23
had a assessment in December 23 
got letter saying I’m entitled for the lcwra in jan 24 but was awarded from December 23 
I’ve still not been paid is this normal? I thought it would be this month but my statement shows I’ve not been paid it

also would anyone know if I’m entitled to a back pay and if so how many months do you think? 

chiarieds

Hi @jodiefaye2779 - & welcome to the community. May I ask what was the date in June 2023 when you sent your first fit note, & have these been continuous until you got your WCA decision?

Also do you know the dates of your assessment periods, or the date when you're normally paid, please?

One last question, do you live with a partner that already receives this LCWRA element?

jodiefaye2779

Hiya thank you for replying and welcoming me to the group 😊

the 1st sick note was 30th of June 23, all 3 following months I handed in sick notes until i was told about my assessment which took place in December 23
 
the assessment periods are 8th-7th and 
im normally paid on the 14th 
and nope I’m a single person 

poppy123456

This is what your problem is..

jodiefaye2779 said:

the 1st sick note was 30th of June 23, all 3 following months I handed in sick notes until i was told about my assessment which took place in December 23
 

You are supposed to provide fit notes without any gaps until the decision was made. Gaps in your fit notes can affect when the extra money is paid from. 

When did your last fit note end? and what date did you receive the decision letter on your journal? 

Sorry for all the questions but if there was gaps then they will likely start the waiting period from when the decision was made. In which case your first payment would be either May or June. 

jodiefaye2779

Hiya poppy, 
ah I wasn’t aware of that, I thought onced I got the assessment I wouldn’t of had to, I thought that there wouldn’t of been a change so I didn’t think it would affect anything. 

My last fit note expired in September 
and the award letter was posted on the 3rd of January but in my journal the guy explained that they’ve done it from December 14th 

poppy123456

Then this is the reason why. If you had reported your health condition through a change of circumstances on your journal then you should have received reminders that a new fit note was needed once the last one was about to expire. 

You can ask if they would consider paying from an earlier date if you provide a backdated fit note. It will be down to a decision maker to make the final decision. However, they may refuse but no harm in asking.

Your assessment wasn’t until December and your fit note expired in September so that was way before you had the assessment. 

jodiefaye2779

 Ah wow, I didn’t know any of this, I’ve always had my health conditions so I could try to get the back date sick notes, 
If they say it’s starts from December and I’ve waited the 3 months, we’re now on the 4th when will the payments start?

rubin16

jodiefaye2779 said:

 Ah wow, I didn’t know any of this, I’ve always had my health conditions so I could try to get the back date sick notes, 
If they say it’s starts from December and I’ve waited the 3 months, we’re now on the 4th when will the payments start?

I don't think you can get backdated sick notes, GP's won't backdate sick notes usually but no harm in asking I suppose.

Rosie_Scope

Welcome to the community @jodiefaye2779! Looks like you're well on the way to getting answers to your questions. I'll pop your post over to our Universal Credit boards where members can find it more easily. I just wanted to say hello and welcome first. Fingers crossed you can get your UC all sorted soon

poppy123456

jodiefaye2779 said:

 Ah wow, I didn’t know any of this, I’ve always had my health conditions so I could try to get the back date sick notes, 
If they say it’s starts from December and I’ve waited the 3 months, we’re now on the 4th when will the payments start?

As I advised you can ask UC but it will be down to a decision maker to decide. Although usually they won’t accept backdated fit notes. 

If it’s from 14th December you then have to wait 3 full assessment periods, then the extra money is paid from the 4th month with first payment being the end of that month.

Your waiting period will be Jan to April… LCWRA element starts from AP 8th April to 7th May and first payment will be 14th May. No LCWRA element is owed. 

jodiefaye2779

Hiya Rosie! 

Thank you for your kind words 🙂

jodiefaye2779

Hiya again poppy, 
thank you for clarifying that! It’s making so much more sense now ❤️