Not understanding assessment dates/period.

littlep

Hi, I'm new and was browsing and just signed up to ask for help. I'm sorry if this is the wrong category!

Just wondering if I can receive help from anyone who understands LCWRA and could help me out on my dates and when I will first be paid?

I handed in one fit note, January 14th however since November I was submitting proof of psychiatric letters which wasn't fit notes but just letters to confirm everything I said was accurate.

* First fit note was provided January 14th.

* Was accepted to LCWRA 16th March (don't know if that was relevant)

It's now 1st of May and I haven't received any LCWRA payment, I thought my payment would of came through during May but it hadn't. Also will I get anything backdated? thannkyou!

Ami2301

Hi @littlep and welcome to the community! Is this for Universal Credit?

littlep

Ami2301 said:

Hi @littlep and welcome to the community! Is this for Universal Credit?

Yes! and thank you 

littlep

@Adrian_Scope any idea if you could help? thanyou 

Adrian_Scope

Hello @littlep. Can I ask, do you know what your assessment period dates from UC are? If not, do you know what date you usually receive your UC as it'll help me work out your assessment periods. 
It should tell you your assessment period at the very top of your UC statement. It'll say something like "Assessment period: 12th March to 11th April"

littlep

I get paid on the 23rd, I can't find the assessment period on my statement however I found this which looks similar so unsure if this is it.
The amount you get is based on your circumstances from 17 April to 16 May 2020.

Thankyou Adrian

Adrian_Scope

That's perfect, thanks @littlep. Those are your assessment period dates (17-16th).

Unfortunately, for LCWRA it has to be 3 full assessment periods after you first evidence your limited capability for work (via a fit note).

As the fit note was provided on Jan 14th it should be calculated like this:

17th December - 16th January: Doesn't count
17th January - 16th February: Month 1
17th February - 16th March: Month 2
17th March - 16th April: Month 3
17th April - 16th May: First payment. So you should receive the LCWRA payment following your April-May assessment period, for which you are paid on 23rd May.

littlep

Thankyou so much! Do you get money back dated during those periods, or does it not work like that? I've read different answers so getting myself confused! You've been so helpful I appreciate your time.

Adrian_Scope

Unfortunately the first 3 assessment periods are considered a 'waiting period' so you don't receive payment during those months and it doesn't get backdated. It was similar on ESA where there was a 13 week wait period which wasn't paid either.

littlep

Ah that's irritating but understandable. Thankyou

Adrian_Scope

You're welcome. Sorry it wasn't better news, but at least you know when to expect it now.