LCWRA 1st payment query

Purplelady53

Hi, I was wondering if any one could advise when I will receive my 1st LCWRA payment so I can plan my budget better?

My assessment period is 28th to 27th and payment date is 3rd of each month.

My first fit note was submitted on 29/05/24, had my assessment on 04/08/24 and received my letter saying I've been awarded LCWRA today (21/08/24).

Will I receive my 1st payment of the LCWRA element on 03/09/24 or will it be 03/10/24?

Many thanks in advance if anyone can advise.

poppy123456

If the 29/05 was the same date you reported your health condition then your waiting period will be May/June, June/July, July/August.. LCWRA starts from 28th Aug to 27th Sept and first payment will be 3rd October.

Purplelady53

Hi Poppy,

Thank you for your reply.

I've just checked my journal and I reported the health condition/change of circumstances and the fit note on the 26/05.

It was the agent response saying fitnote accepted/completed that was on the 29/05.

As the reporting of the fit note was on the 26/05 does that mean it falls under the april/may assessment period and I'll get the first payment 03/09 or will it still be October?

So sorry to keep asking, it's just been absolute hell having to give up a well paid job due to worsening health meaning I couldn't do the work any longer and having to go through the whole WCA process while adapting to living on UC after having a full time wage, and going through the pip process at the same time. It's overwhelming and im really struggling with coming to terms with having to give up work on top of it all. Theres so much conflicting information out there and my head is proper battered.

I'm just trying to work out a budget so I can avoid having to go to the food bank again next month.

Thanks again

poppy123456

I've just noticed an error in my advice here..

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/901766#Comment_901766

This should have been June to Sept .. with first payment being 3rd Nov. Apologies!

As you now say your first fit note was provided on 26th May then your waiting period will be same as I advised above.

May/June, June/July, July/Aug.. LCWRA starts from AP 28th Aug to 27th Sept and first payment 3rd Oct. Again apologies for that error.

If you didn't previously have the work allowance and you or a partner were receiving earnings since you provided your first fit note then you'll be owed some money for that.

If you claim for help with the rent it will be £404/month, if you don't it will be £673/month. The WA means that some of your earnings you receive will be ignored before deductions apply.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @Purplelady53. Glad Poppy has been able to give you some good advice. I just wanted to say how sorry I am that you've had to leave your job due to ill health. It's a huge thing to accept and adapt to. When I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and had to change my career plan I went through a period of almost like grieving. I know I'm fortunate as I can still currently work. Be kind to yourself and focus on all the positives you've achieved in your career. Is there any type of work/volunteering you may be able to do? Such as working from home? The benefits process is incredibly stressful but we're here to support you through it and with anything else you need 😊 Do you have support at home?