Lcwra as a couple

yas0178

Hi

My husband and I had been migrated to UC from tax credits in October 2024.

I receive PIP and my husband just claimed C/A before migration.

Since going onto UC, we get the carers element.

We have both provided fit notes from November and was sent the UC50 form also in November.

We have both been awarded with LCWRA this month (February). My husband a few weeks ago and mine a few days ago.

We were told that extra money will be awarded but I am not sure when we will receive the money and is this going to be backdated?

We were told that only one can be awarded with the extra money and also they will be taking away the carers element when we start receiving the money from the LCWRA.

I would greatly appreciate it if anyone can help me with my queries.

Thank you in advance

Yasmin

Kimi87

LCWRA has a waiting period of three full assessment periods, from the date the first Fit Note was handed in. No money is paid or subsequently owed for that period.

If the decision comes within the waiting period then usually no backpay is due.

In a couples claim the maximum number of LCWRA elements payable is one.

If you are paid for LCWRA, then your husband should still be able to get Carers Element.

Unfortunately as his award came first I don't know how UC will handle this.

If he doesn't get CE you can always ask them to look at that decision again (known as a Mandatory Reconsideration) to see if changing you to receive LCWRA and him CE is possible.

yas0178

Thank you kimmy87,

Wanted to ask when the payment starts. Do we have to wait for 3 months from when we got awarded (February) or when we gave them our fit notes (November) ?

I am not too sure if they will carry on with my husband's award because he did stop providing fit notes just after his assessment, which he was supposed to carrying providing until they made a decision.

Thank you.

yas0178

Kimi87

The waiting period is three full assessment periods, counted from the date UC got the first Fit Note, if they are supplied with out gaps.

Depending on dates, the AP that the first Fit Note was handed in isn't always counted for the waiting period.

The gap in Fit Notes would effect your husband's waiting period, not the LCWRA award itself which he has been given. DWP would have to decide when to start his waiting period due to the gap.

This might be good news if your LCWRA becomes payable before his.

yas0178

I think I understand, I'm so sorry for repeating myself.

Our AP is the 2nd of every month of which when we both gave them our fit notes. (November)

Regarding my husband, the UC journal said that because he has stopped providing fit notes, please do not attend your WC assignment and you are no longer classed not fit for work. But he had already done his assessment and was waiting for the results. But then he receives an award letter through the journal stating that they have found him LCWRA. We haven't heard from them if they have changed this due to him not providing any fit notes.

Kimi87

If your AP is 2nd-1st, and that's the same day you handed in your first Fit Note, your waiting period would be:

November/December AP1

December/January AP2

January/February AP3

February/March: Eligible for LCWRA element.

8th March: First LCWRA element paid.

If LCWRA isn't on your next statement, that means there wasn't enough time to process the decision, and you will be owed one month.

Money owed is calculated and paid separately, this does usually take at least a few weeks.

You'll know when this has been done as a letter will be added to your Journal, confirming the amount owed. Payment will then arrive into your bank account a few working days later.

yas0178

Thank you so much kimmy87, you have been very helpful. ☺️