Waiting for assessment results

ianloynes1

Hi 
I have been on universal credit for 14 months now , have problems with my hands so am awaiting more after one operation, they never informed me of the work capacity until November last year. I complained about this and the person in Canterbury who is in charge of my account.
once a month I take a note from my doctors to the work coach and up date him on my progress, including operations, he’s typing away and you would think that he is tying what you are updating him about.
but no this is not the case, so when I complained they said that they not received any information regarding my treatment in that time and she was completely right in her actions, mainly not informing me of the increased money I would be able to get through the work capacity scheme.
i am now awaiting the result of the assessment which was four weeks ago, so how long will they take and what are the chances of backdating the money they owe me?
i

Lasian_Alumni

Hi @ianloynes1, welcome to the community.

It sounds like you have had a frustrating experience with this! Hopefully our benefits advisor will be able to offer some support soon.

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hi ianloynes1,

A client of mine recently had a decision within 4 weeks, I guess the backlog of work is different all over the country and each assessor make take differing amounts of time to submit their report so it's impossible to say how much longer you should have to wait to be honest.
You will only be entitled to some extra money if you are put in the support group. This group is for people who are unlikely to be able to work for a long time or ever again. The descriptors for the support group are very specific and it is a difficult group to get into, but it is possible. If they put you in the work-related activity group or if they say you are fit for work you won't be entitled to any extra money unless you appeal and win. Hope it goes well for you.

Lee

ianloynes1

Hi 
my claim started before April of last year so have been told by them I will get it back dated so don’t know what groups you are talking about , my claim started in December 2016 

ian 

poppy123456

As you're claim was before April 2017 if you're successfully put into either of the 2 groups your money will be backdated to week 14 of your claim.

You can ask for a copy of the assessment report. This will give you some idea what the decision will be as mostly they go with that report. Goodluck.

ianloynes1

Thank you but I was told if I’m successful it will be backdated to week one ???

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hi @ianloynes1

Without a backdating request, I would be surprised if the DWP backdate further than the time you started assessment for Limited Capability for Work - however if it was accepted that you always had Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (i.e. met the criteria for the Support Group) - then it may be possible to backdate on the basis that (as you say) you should have been assessed for LCW much sooner.

Unfortunately, as Lee says above, very few actually make it to the Support Group, and if you're not assessed to the support group there will be no change in your payments and no backpay.

Is it the DWP who have advised you that the LCWA will be fully backdated, as a result of your complaint?..

Mary

ianloynes1

Yes it is the people I have spoken to have said if I get the award it will be backdated 
they did not put me forward for the assessment till November when I started the claim the December before, so I’m a waiting for an answer because it was before the April cut ff point.

also can you please stop sending my details to any mailing lists I’m getting phon calls and texts since you have my mobile number 

Sam_Alumni

Hi @ianloynes1

We do not give any of your details to other companies, also we don't take your phone number when you register, we don't have those details.

You can read more about our privacy statement here.