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Still waiting for my letter after lcwra award

Lynn0732

I was told via the DWP journal I had been awarded lcwra on 29th November 2024. I've heard nothing since from the DWP or via the journal.

I first applied for UC on sept 10th 2024, submitted my sick notes.

The DWP has put my payment date as the 16th of the month.

I appreciate i have to wait 3 months after submitting my first sick note, I was told by a rather rude woman at the DWP I would have to wait for a letter, which I've not received. I've had no communication from the DWP, I feel I have just been dumped by the DWP.

Anyone else experienced this when first applying for UC?

Thanks

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Kimi87

You've been notified of the award.

No backpay is due so there won't be a letter about that.

I wouldn't expect that you will hear anything else until LCWRA element becomes payable after the waiting period.

As previously advised you should see this on your January statement.

Lynn0732

Thanks for your reply @Kimmy87

My initial application was on 10/9/24. My first sick note was dated 18/9/24 after I had the initial phone assessment.

I had a face to face health assessment on 22/11/24 and on the 29/11/24 I was informed I had been awarded lcwra

I have never claimed UC before.

I spoke with citizens advice after 29/11/24, after they did the calculations, after deductions, I should still receive something per month.

The DWP haven't I formed me if I will even get anything on 16/1/25.

No wonder people give up making claims, it's the worst experience I have ever encountered.

Kimi87

I edited my previous reply after looking back at your past posts.

I realise you were previously advised January for the LCWRA element to start, however looking at the dates you have now given the first Fit Note wasn't supplied within 7 days of the health condition being reported.

This is likely to extend your waiting period by one month, with the first LCWRA element being paid in February.

Lynn0732

The DWP doesn't make things easy for people applying for UC @Kimmy87

They certainly do not share information or advice when someone makes their first application over when they could possibly receive their initial payment.

Kimi87

UC is different to legacy benefits.

UC calculates each payment on your circumstances for the previous calender month, known as the assessment period, the last day of your AP being especially important.

So it's not geared up to make financial predictions as to your entitlement for the future.

They also frequently advise people incorrectly about the LCWRA waiting period.

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/957955#Comment_957955

The decision letters for the WCA are standard letters with very basic information on them because everyone's first payment will be different, depending on when they reported their health condition, when they provided their first fit note, any gaps etc etc.

I do agree that they don't make it easy to know when your first payment is. This is made even worse because more often than not the service centre staff and UC helpline have no idea what they're talking about.

Lynn0732

When I spoke with citizens advice, they worked out I should get £174 a month (after deductions, I get my NHS pension)

That money will help me a lot if I ever get it 😔

Lynn0732

@poppy123456 the woman I spoke to at UC was so rude to me when I rang.

I was informed on the 29/11/24 I no longer had to provide sick notes and as my circumstances had changed the pointless call with an equally rude 'work coach' had been cancelled. The DWP really go out of their way to demean people claiming benefits.

Kimi87

I'm not confident enough to say whether that will be January or February, but you will receive it once the waiting period is complete.

Lynn0732

Thanks @Kimmy87 I guess it's a case of wait and see

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/957960#Comment_957960

Your advice was correct in Lynn's previous thread and due to the extra information that the fit note was provided after the 7 days you were also correct to say that first payment will be Feb 2025.

To recap on the waiting period, it will be as follows… Oct/Nov, Nov/Dec, Dec/Jan.. LCWRA starts from assessment period 10th Jan to 9th Feb and first payment will be 16th Feb.

If the fit note had been provided within 7 days of reporting the health condition then first payment would have been 16th January.