Lcwra

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mmcg2018

Hi there, my friend has his telephone assessment for LCWRA the other day and felt it went well. My question is is it the health care professional that takes the interview that makes the decision on the award or the DWP? Can I also check how long a decision usually takes and does it get backdated from the date of application if awarded. Apologies for all the questions I just want to get as much info for him as I can 😊

Kimi87

The HCP makes the recommendation, DWP Decision Maker makes the decision. They usually follow the HCP but not always.

It can take up to 12 weeks for a decision. Some people hear within days, others are waiting a few months.

For new applications LCWRA has a waiting period of three full assessment periods before LCWRA is added to the payment. This dates from the first Fit Note, and assumes the Fit Notes are provided without gaps (it is the date they are given to UC that counts, not the start date written on them).

If your friend already had LCW, then there is no waiting period and the LCWRA first applies in the Assessment Period in which the decision was made.