LCWRA

harley7

I got awarded LCWRA on February 17th 2026 I submitted my first fit note on 23rd October 2025, I rang to see when my first payment would be and he told me it will be June 3 months after being awarded it is this correct? I thought it was from the 4th assessment period after the first fit note?

Kimi87

LCWRA has a waiting period of three full assessment periods.

If you handed in your Fit Notes without any gaps (it is the date they are given to UC that counts, not the start date written on them), then payment should start after 3 full ap's have passed.

If you had gaps they might count the start of your waiting period as the decision date.

harley7

I didn’t have any gaps, I submitted my fit note on the 23rd October and it was accepted that same day, every fit note since then has been on the day the other ran out, I’m just confused

Kimi87

What is the date you reported health condition?

What dates are your UC Assessment Period each month?

harley7

I reported health change same day as fit note so 23rd October, my assessment period is 18th-17th

Kimi87

My estimate of your waiting period based on the information provided:

October/November: AP 1*

November/December: AP 2

December/January: AP 3

January/February: Eligible for LCWRA element

February 24th: First LCWRA element paid.

Even though you've received the decision, UC still need time to process everything and it's unlikely to be on your payment statement which is due.

You'll know when this has been sorted as a letter will be added to your Journal stating the amount owed (one month's LCWRA element) due to underpayment. The money will then be paid within a few working days and a new version of the statement will be added.

*there is a special rule that if you report the health condition & submit Fit Note in the first 7 days of your AP, that counts as a whole AP for the waiting period.

As I'm an amateur, you might want to consult a trained benefits advisor https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

harley7

Thankyou so much!! I appreciate your help

Mary_Scope

Hi @harley7 and a warm welcome to the community from me!

I see that Kimi has already answered your question and provided some good information so I won't add anything else today but it's lovely to have you here on the community😊