Info/help

pb1977

Hi I've been of work with health problems for over 12 months now and just been told that I have to do a limited capability for work form/interview which is fine but I was also told that it should of been done on the 13th week of me being off sick which it was not I was not even aware of it till 2 weeks ago so my question is if I get it will it be backdated too the 13th of my sickness or from the day they told me about it

poppy123456

Which benefit are you claiming? ESA or Universal Credit? the 13 weeks apply to ESA but that doesn't mean you'll be assessed and a decision made within that time.

I'm assuming it's UC that you're claiming because New style ESA is only paid for 1 year unless placed into the Support Group.

pb1977

Its uc I asked them many weeks ago when I got awarded pip if there was anything else I need to do which the answer was no. when I asked it was well past the 13 week mark, it was past the the year mark so I suppose what I'm asking is it right that they did not tell me about this or is it a mistake on there part I'm new to all this benefit stuff for the last 30 years I've worked

poppy123456

The 13 weeks doesn't apply to UC. For UC the waiting period is 3 full assessment periods but that doesn't mean a decision would be made within that time.

What you should have done is report your health condition and provide a fit note within 7 days of that. Yes, they could have advised you to report your health condition but many work coaches will not do that.

If you haven't yet reported your health condition and provided a fit note I'd advise you to do that. You will then be referred for work capability assessment. Once the referral is made you will receive the UC50 form in the post a few days later. You will need to make sure you fill it in and return it.

Have you been forced to look for work and attend appointments in the time that you haven't worked?

You can put in a complaint about the lack of advice.

pb1977

I have been putting doctors notes in the hole time and I all do told them that I was awarded pip thanks for helping and the advice

poppy123456

Then you should have been referred for the WCA assessment 29 days after you provided your first fit note. Your PIP award is irrelevant here.

Put a message onto your journal and ask them to refer you for the work capability assessment. If found to have LCWRA then you will be owed money from the 4th month after providing that first fit note. Unless you're claiming UC with a partner that already receives this element on your claim.